Some CBD products say they can help with issues like erectile dysfunction, make you more lubricated, and increase your sex drive. But studies have shown different results about whether CBD really has these benefits.

CBD is a substance found in marijuana plants. Unlike THC, another substance in marijuana that makes you feel high, CBD doesn’t have that effect. Instead, it might have other good effects on the body.

Because of this, companies have started putting CBD in lots of products, including ones meant to help with sex. They say it can make you want sex more and help with getting aroused.

But is CBD really helpful for your sex life? Let’s see what scientists have found out so far.

How does CBD affect libido?

Before we look into how CBD could impact your sex drive, let’s discuss the mechanisms through which researchers think CBD operates within your body.

Imagine your body has a system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It’s like a network of tiny locks, and CBD acts like a key that can activate them. But CBD doesn’t directly unlock these locks. Instead, it starts a chain reaction in your body that gets the system going.

When the ECS gets going, it can have different effects on your body. Like reducing inflammation (when parts of your body get swollen and painful) and helping to control seizures.

So, when you take CBD, it might indirectly influence your body’s response in various ways. Potentially affecting your sex drive among other things.

Understanding CBD's Impact on Sexual Wellness

The research

In 2009, researchers discovered receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in sexual organs like the testicles and also in the brain. After this discovery, studies started exploring how cannabinoids like CBD and THC affect sex drive.

However, the findings are mixed. Some research suggests that cannabinoids can increase libido, while others say they might decrease it. For instance, one study found that regular cannabis use in men can lower their sex drive, with more use leading to even lower libido.

On the other hand, some studies propose that CBD might improve libido by easing anxiety. Performance anxiety can sometimes dampen sexual desire. So, if CBD can relieve this anxiety, it could potentially boost the urge for sex.

Although there’s evidence that CBD could help with anxiety, especially social anxiety disorder. There’s not enough solid research to confidently say it boosts libido. Many of the reports about CBD enhancing sex drive are based on personal experiences rather than large-scale scientific studies. So, while your friend might swear by it, another might not notice any change at all.

Because there’s still a lack of specific research on CBD and libido. It’s difficult to conclusively say whether it helps in this area or not.

Does CBD have other sexual benefits?

While there’s not a wealth of research on CBD’s effects on sexual health. There are new products appearing on the market aimed at addressing various sexual concerns.

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Ayurveda practitioners have been using Cannabis sativa, the plant from which marijuana and CBD come. In order to improve sexual performance and function, including issues like ejaculatory function.

However, exactly how CBD might help with erectile dysfunction (ED) isn’t entirely clear. One idea is that CBD could relax blood vessels and increase blood flow. This improved blood flow to the penis could potentially help with ED and support longer-lasting sexual activity.

But, Doctors haven’t specifically studied the effects of CBD on the penis. There was a small study where researchers found that a single dose of CBD helped reduce blood pressure. However, they were looking at blood vessels related to the heart, not those that lead to the groin area. So, while there’s some promising evidence, more research is required to understand how CBD might directly impact sexual function.

Poor lubrication

For people experiencing dryness and discomfort during sex. Using a lubricant can help improve their sexual experience and reduce pain. Recently, many CBD companies have started making lubricants that include CBD to potentially enhance sexual pleasure.

Researchers have looked into the effects of applying CBD directly to the skin for treating skin issues. According to a study from 2010 published in the journal Fitoterapia, topical CBD has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. Which could theoretically make sex more comfortable by reducing inflammation.

However, there haven’t been any specific studies on CBD and its effects on lubrication during sex. So, while there’s some evidence suggesting CBD’s potential benefits for skin inflammation. More research is needed to understand its role in sexual lubrication.

Low sex drive

Another idea is that cannabis might impact sexual desire by directly affecting the brain. In a study from 2017 that looked at cannabis users, researchers found that cannabis activated the part of the brain responsible for sexual arousal. Based on this finding, the authors suggested that using cannabis could potentially be beneficial for individuals with a low sex drive.

The verdict

CBD might have the potential to reduce erectile dysfunction, improve sexual pleasure, and increase libido. However, there isn’t sufficient current research to substantiate these claims.

Any drawback to trying it?

The side effects of using CBD can vary depending on how you use it.

Some people might have an allergic reaction to CBD or the stuff used to make the product, like oils or fragrances. Others might feel sick to their stomach, lose their appetite, or feel tired after using CBD, but usually, these feelings aren’t too bad. It’s also possible for CBD to interact with other drugs you might be taking.

While CBD might have some good effects on sex itself, scientists worry about how using the cannabis plant could affect a person’s ability to have kids. A study from 2006 that looked at a bunch of research found some things that marijuana can do to fertility:

– It can lower levels of a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone in men and women.

– It can mess up how sperm normally grow in men, which could make it harder for them to fertilize an egg.

– It can mess up a woman’s normal cycle for making babies, including when she releases an egg.

The important thing to remember is that these effects are linked to cannabis, which contains THC, which makes you feel high. Scientists haven’t been able to separate which effects come from CBD, THC, or other parts of cannabis.

If you’re unsure about using THC or you can’t legally get it, you can use CBD that comes from hemp instead. Hemp is a type of cannabis plant that has very little THC, so it won’t make you high.

If you’re thinking about having a baby with your partner soon. It might be a good idea to talk to your doctor about whether using CBD for sex or anything else could affect your plans.

Using CBD to Enhance Your Sex Life

You can use CBD products in different ways to spice up your sex life. Here are some examples:

  • Eating CBD edibles before sex to make the experience more enjoyable.
  • Using a CBD massage oil during foreplay to relax and set the mood.
  • Applying CBD lubricants to reduce dryness and make sex more pleasurable.
  • Taking CBD oil before sex to help calm anxiety and make sensations more intense.

Scientists continue to study CBD’s effects on sex. We’ll probably discover even more ways to incorporate it into our intimate moments.

A note about legality

As regulations concerning marijuana and hemp have progressed in the US, the status of CBD remains somewhat ambiguous. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the organization responsible for overseeing CBD.

Right now, experts at the FDA are gathering info and data to learn more about CBD and what effects it might have. Until they figure things out, it’s a good idea to look into the laws in your state and local area to see if using CBD is legal.

In the future, the FDA will likely put stricter rules on the CBD market. This might include guidelines on how much CBD is safe to take, what drugs it might interact with, and any risks from using it for a long time.

FAQs

  1. Do cannabinoids increase libido?

Some CBD products claim to improve erectile dysfunction, increase lubrication, and boost libido. However, most of the evidence supporting these claims is based on personal stories. And more research is necessary to confirm their effectiveness.

  1. Does CBD increase male libido?

Studies have shown mixed results. While some research suggests that CBD may enhance libido, others have found that it might decrease it. CBD might help reduce anxiety. Which could indirectly improve sexual performance for some people. However, further research is needed to understand its specific effects on male libido.

  1. How does CBD affect female libido?

There’s limited research on this topic. CBD used in lubricants may have anti-inflammatory properties. Potentially enhancing sexual pleasure and libido. However, more studies are required to validate these claims to understand the precise effects of CBD on female libido.

Final Word

CBD products aimed at improving sexual experiences are becoming increasingly accessible. However, there’s more discussion than scientific research regarding their effectiveness.

Since CBD products generally have few known side effects, they might be worth experimenting with if you’re seeking ways to spice up your sex life.

Nevertheless, if you’re planning to start a family with your partner. It’s crucial to consult your doctor about the potential risks associated with using CBD products.