Does CBD Oil for Sex work? Myth or Fact?
CBD, which is derived from cannabis, provides many health benefits. But can it help improve your sex life?
Today we're talking about how CBD interacts with the body's sex organs. We'll cover how CBD affects our libido and whether or not it can help with erectile dysfunction, blood flow, and lubrication.
So, the question we need to answer is, does CBD oil work for sex?
How CBD works
Your body has a whole network of receptors in your body that help to keep your body in homeostasis.
This system is called the Endocannabinoid System. CBD interacts with this system by binding to these receptors and supporting its natural ability to fight inflammation, pain, and stress all over the body.
How CBD affects sex
There is some controversy about cannabis use for sex. Some research shows that cannabis use can be good for sex, while others show it can be damaging.
This all depends on whether or not the CBD product contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and how much THC is consumed.
Marijuana vs industrial hemp
Marijuana leaves contain all the cannabinoids, including CBD. It also contains very high amounts of THC. A major concentration of THC can have psychoactive effects and become highly intoxicating.
Marijuana can negatively affect the male reproductive system, and it could possibly lead to erectile dysfunction.
Most CBD is made from industrial hemp. Hemp grown in the USA must follow certain regulations to ensure that the products produced are safe for consumption.
One requirement is that all hemp plants must contain 0.3% or less THC. This is required to make the oil produced from the hemp plants safer to consume.
By checking the product's third-party lab test, you can ensure your CBD product is pure and has accurate claims. If lab tests are not provided, don't purchase the product.
CBD for better libido
Stress and anxiety have been shown to negatively affect libido. In this 2018 study (1), testosterone and cortisol samples were taken from men and women. The findings were that men who experienced more stress tended to have a greater desire for sex more frequently, while the opposite was true for women.
From this, we learn that stress affects libido for both males and females in different ways. After 7 different placebo-controlled clinical trials in 2021, 352 participants with stress showed signs of a significant reduction in stress after taking CBD. (2)
From these findings, we see that CBD may be effective in boosting libido for those who experience low sex drive from overload or excessive mental health issues.
CBD may also help boost libido by increasing the body's anandamide chemical.
Anandamide helps release oxytocin, which is responsible for feelings of warmth, affection, and love. When oxytocin is released, it helps humans to bond, especially during sex.
By reducing stress and anxiety, you may feel happier and experience more enjoyable sex.
CBD for Erectile Dysfunction
Smoking, eating, or otherwise consuming whole cannabis leaves in large amounts, may lead to lower ejaculate volume and erectile dysfunction (ED) in males, according to this 2015 study. (3)
THC in high amounts causes a "high" in the body. The more you take, the more likely you are to experience ED.
CBD has somewhat of an opposite effect on the body. CBD works with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to support and regulate many systems within the body, such as the central nervous system and the immune system.
CBD has a calming, relaxing effect both on the mind and body.
CBD may help reduce pain, inflammation, and stress, and even a prescription CBD product now called Epidiolex helps reduce seizures.
Current studies show that CBD promotes healthy blood flow to areas like the brain, heart, and other organs.
It is possible that CBD may help increase blood flow to the groin as well.
Blood flow is one of the most important aspects of healthy erectile function. The stronger and more steady the blood flow, the better.
However, It is also possible that men experiencing ED for mental/emotional reasons may have more success in reducing it than for physical reasons.
There are many more studies to support the mental relief CBD provides than on erectile dysfunction.
CBD for Lubrication
According to this 2020 study (4), CBD may help decrease pain. This makes CBD a possible ingredient in a lubricant for individuals who experience pain during sex.
There are currently no known studies on CBD and its effect on lubrication specifically, but it is believed and used by many to help set the mood and increase sensation and blood flow to the area.
How to use CBD Oil for sex
CBD doesn't normally work immediately, you will want to try and plan ahead and take CBD 30-60 minutes before going to the bedroom.
If you want to take CBD to assist discomfort or mental health you should take CBD daily so it can build up in your system and give you the relief you need.
Taking CBD consistently is key
Many CBD products are available on the market. Here is a list of some suggestions.
1. CBD Full-Spectrum Oil or CBD Gummies are a great choice for taking CBD every day.
2. CBD Chocolates are a great way to set the mood and get many of the mental health benefits of CBD.
3. CBD Massage Oils are wonderful. They may help to increase pleasure, stimulate blood flow, and decrease pain and stress.
Side effects of using CBD Oil for sex
This study shows that CBD is safe and well tolerated in humans. CBD is safe, non-addictive, and shows no signs of dependence.
CBD is also very unlikely to overdose on. In a 2017 study (5), it was found that humans can safely tolerate up to 1500 mg in a day. That's a lot of CBD.
When taking CBD, start with 10 mg or so to see how your body reacts to it. You can build up from there to the recommended dose for your body weight.
- Possible common side effects of taking CBD orally are dry mouth, low blood pressure, dizziness, and drowsiness.
- Possible side effects of CBD topically are skin redness and irritation. If you experience any of these side effects, reduce or discontinue use.
- Possible symptoms of overdose are anxiety, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, psychosis, fatigue, drowsiness, and dizziness.
- Be sure that if you are taking medication, talk with your doctor before you start taking CBD because of the possible interactions with medications.
Sum It Up!
CBD is becoming more commonly used for sex as researchers are learning more about it, and more CBD products are becoming available.
Intercourse can be enjoyable for couples, but when stress, performance anxiety, or other challenges get in the way, it can sometimes feel like the opposite.
CBD may help with some of these challenges by helping to lower stress and increase pleasure when used topically or taken orally.
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*FDA DISCLAIMER -These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
References:
(1) Raisanen JC;Chadwick SB;Michalak N;van Anders SM; (n.d.). Average associations between sexual desire, testosterone, and stress in women and men over time. Archives of sexual behavior. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29845444/
(2) Henson,J.D.;Vitetta, L.; Quezada, M.; Hall, S. Enhancing Endocannabinoid Control of Stress with Cannabidiol. J.Clin. Med. 2021,10,5852. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/10/24/5852
(3) du Plessis, S. S., Agarwal, A., & Syriac, A. (2015, November). Marijuana, phytocannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, and male fertility. Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4651943/
(4) Argueta, D. A., Ventura, C. M., Kiven, S., Sagi, V., & Gupta, K. (2020, April 30). A balanced approach for cannabidiol use in chronic pain. Frontiers in pharmacology. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
(5) Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017, June 1). An update on safety and side effects of Cannabidiol: A review of Clinical Data and relevant animal studies. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. Retrieved September 17, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/