October 11, 2021

Does CBD Help...Sexually?

CBD — it can help relieve pain. Banish blemishes. Even kick anxiety to the curb.

But you know this already.

Let's get to the question everyone wants answered — can CBD make sex better?

You’re dying to know:

  • Does CBD help you last longer in bed?
  • Can CBD help sexually?
  • Does CBD improve sexual dysfunction (aka sex problems)?
  • Does CBD help increase pleasure?

As always, we're getting out the science papers and comin' at you with the latest facts and figures on CBD for sexual health.

Let's Talk About Sex(ual Dysfunction)

First, let's talk about what we mean by sexual dysfunction.

Sexual dysfunction is an umbrella term doctors use for sexual problems. It refers to the issues that interfere at any point in the sexual response cycle — from desire to orgasm.

There are four categories of dysfunction:(1)

  • Desire disorder: Having little to no interest in sex
  • Arousal disorder: When you want to have sex, your body isn’t responding the way you want it to
  • Pain disorder: When it’s physically painful to have sex
  • Orgasm disorder: Having trouble reaching orgasm

Now, everyone has an off day now and then. Some days you just don't feel it. And that's totally normal.

When should you be concerned? If you're having persistent issues — you may want to talk with your doc.

Causes Of Sexual Dysfunction

Getting to the root cause of your sexual concerns is a tricky one, and one that should involve your medical team. But we do know that sexual disorders can be caused by physical reasons, psychological reasons, or a mixture of both.

Sexual dysfunction can be caused by physical conditions like:(1)

  • Heart disease
  • Chronic diseases
  • Substance misuse
  • Sleep issues
  • Medication side effects

It can also be caused by psychological issues like:(1)

  • Relationship issues
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Body image concerns
  • Stress

The Big A: How Anxiety Impacts Sexual Wellness

Anxiety often plays a huge role when it comes to sexual issues.

It's known that high stress and anxiety — including sexual performance anxiety — can lead to a less satisfying sex life, including:

  • Lower sexual desire(2)
  • Erectile dysfunction(3)
  • Decreased lubrication(4)
  • Sexual pain(5)

Does CBD Make Sex Better?

From the current research, CBD's unique qualities may help improve your sex life in various ways:

  • Alleviate symptoms of sexual dysfunction
  • Decrease pain during sex
  • Reduce sexual anxiety
  • Boost your sexual desire
  • Increase overall pleasure

Let's jump into how CBD might tackle all these issues.

CBD Can Reduce Stress & Anxiety

CBD enthusiasts often tout the anxiety-quelling effects of the cannabinoid, and science is catching up to what CBD users have known for a long time.

Yes, CBD has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing symptoms of anxiety in numerous studies.(6)

Instead of coming home stressed from a rough workday, you might find yourself able to put your worries behind you. And in turn, become more focused and excited by sexual intimacy with your partner.

Can CBD Help Sexual Performance Anxiety?

When you're having anxiety around your performance in bed, you're less likely to be in the mood! Your brain is too wrapped up in your anxiety over your performance, that it's impossible to relax, be in the moment, and feel connected with your partner.

While there are no current studies on how CBD may quash performance anxiety, we have strong evidence to support CBD's power to reduce general anxiety levels.

With a little CBD support, you may just find your worries begin to fade behind the curtains, while your libido takes center stage.

CBD May Help Combat Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common, yet incredibly frustrating, condition impacting around 30 million men in the US alone.(7)

Can CBD help? It depends on what’s predominantly causing your erectile dysfunction.

ED is often triggered by physical conditions like obesity and sleep problems, and psychological issues like anxiety. If that sounds like you, CBD might help address some of those factors that are contributing to your ED.

It may help you live a heart-healthier lifestyle and get better sleep. CBD might also help you relax, so you can last longer in bed.

We highly suggest you make your way over to our article titled: CBD Oil For Erectile Dysfunction for all you wanted to know about buying and using CBD to address erectile dysfunction.

CBD & Sexual Pain Disorders

Many individuals who suffer from chronic pain conditions use CBD to help manage their symptoms. And research has indeed shown that CBD can reduce pain and inflammation associated with a variety of conditions.(8)

One cause of sexual pain includes the disorder endometriosis. Anecdotal evidence shows that many women who deal with chronic pain from endometriosis use CBD to manage their pain levels.

While the literature on the direct effects of CBD on sexual pain is scant, a clinical trial is in the works.

There’s also a currently-running clinical study on the effectiveness of CBD to manage endometriosis pain.(9) Stay tuned for the results!

CBD May Boost Your Sex Drive

One of the biggest libido killers is stress. When you're stressed out, your mind is racing through your problems and the last thing you're thinking about is sex.

It's super difficult to feel the desire to have sex with the tension and distraction of a million other pressing issues.

But we know CBD can help you feel calmer and more at ease, reducing those symptoms of stress and anxiety — helping your brain get into the right mood for sex.

Some research has also found that cannabis can increase sex drive.(10) However, most studies on sex drive have looked at the whole plant and not CBD alone.

CBD & Increased Sexual Pleasure

Maybe your sexual experiences fall on the anti-climactic side, and you're looking for a boost in the pleasure department.

Or maybe your sex life is already great — but you want to take it to the next level. (Who wouldn't?)

Lucky for you, some evidence suggests CBD might help increase your sensations and overall experience during sex.

CBD can boost your pleasure because it increases the level of anandamide in your body.(11) Anandamide is known as the "bliss molecule," and it increases good feelings. This increase may mean an overall boost in pleasurable sex. 

Plus, CBD may help increase blood flow. Given the presence of cannabinoid receptors in the reproductive and sexual organs, CBD use could potentially increase sexual pleasure.(12)

Let’s Get It On — How To Use CBD For Better Sex

You may have noticed the abundance of CBD products on the shelves. Which one's the best for gettin' busy?

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to taking CBD for sex, but different types of CBD products offer different benefits.

Let's break it down.

CBD Oil For Sex

CBD oils are super versatile and easy to incorporate into your bedroom activities. CBD oil is one of the fastest-acting CBD products, making it a great option for enhancing your overall sexual experience.

Try taking it sublingually about 30 minutes before sex, so it has the chance to fully absorb into your bloodstream and start taking effect.

CBD Gummies For Sex

CBD gummies are maybe the most fun option for trying some CBD for better sex. They're basically CBD candy, and a great way to add a little fun and playfulness into your amorous endeavors.

Note that they take a touch longer than CBD oils to get to work. Just be sure to take them an hour or two before sex to give them a chance to start working their magic.

CBD Creams For Sex

A sensual massage can be a great form of foreplay — increasing your intimacy and connection with your boudoir buddy.

Why not up your game with CBD massage therapy? Help your partner unwind after a long day with a rub down that includes CBD cream. Any aching muscles are sure to melt away while the passion ignites.

CBD Lubricants For Sex

A newcomer to the CBD market, CBD lubricants are lube products that come with a dose of CBD. They're made to help reduce dryness and increase pleasure with a dash of CBD to promote arousal and muscle relaxation.

Just be sure to check on the list of ingredients to ensure there are no weird chemicals you wouldn't want in your body. And note that oil-based lubes can degrade the latex in condoms.

CBD For Sexual Health: A Total Turn On

Lots of people struggle with sexual problems, from a lack of desire to trouble accessing pleasure. There are many reasons for this.

If you struggle with sexual issues, CBD might help:

  • Reduce sexual pain
  • Boost pleasure
  • Ease sexual anxiety
  • Increase your overall sexual functioning
  • Help you relax so you can enjoy sex!

So, when you’re wanting a little boost in the bedroom, CBD might be what you need to spice things up.

SHOP CBD NOW

References

  1. (2020). Sexual Dysfunction. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9121-sexual-dysfunction
  2. Kalmbach, D. (2016). Why being in the mood is important for women. Anxiety.org https://www.anxiety.org/how-anxiety-depression-affect-sex-drive
  3. Holland, K. (2017). Can Stress and Anxiety Cause Erectile Dysfunction? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction-anxiety-stress
  4. Watson, S. (2020). Sexual Performance Anxiety. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/guide/sexual-performance-anxiety-causes-treatments
  5. Corretti, G, et al. (2007). The Relationship Between Anxiety Disorders and Sexual Dysfunction. Psychiatric Times. https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/relationship-between-anxiety-disorders-and-sexual-dysfunction
  6. Skelley, JW, et al. (2020). Use of cannabidiol in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japh.2019.11.008
  7. (2017). Definition & Facts for Erectile Dysfunction. National Institute of Diabetes and DIgestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/definition-facts
  1. Cherney, K. (2020). Using CBD Oil for Pain Management: Does It Work? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-oil-for-pain
  2. Milton, S. (2021). Cannabidiol and Management of Endometriosis Pain. ClinicalTrials.gov https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04527003
  3. Lynn, B, et al. (2019). The Relationship between Marijuana Use Prior to Sex and Sexual Function in Women. Sexual medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2019.01.003
  4. Scherma, M, et al. (2019). Brain activity of anandamide: a rewarding bliss? Acta pharmacologica Sinica. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41401-018-0075-x
  5. Sweet, J. (2019). Can CBD Make Sex Better? Here’s What the Experts Say. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-sex-effectiveness

 



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