How Does CBD Affect Your Sex Life?

A bedroom is a place of physical intimacy where partners get to know each other on a deeper level—a place where couples can unleash their fantasies and fulfil each other’s desires. But for many, the bedroom can be an anticlimactic domain of embarrassment and disappointment. Around 5% of 40-year-old men experience erectile dysfunction, and only 29% of women reach orgasm during intercourse. An estimated 1 in 3 men experience premature ejaculation, and 17% of women between ages 18–50 report vaginal dryness during sex.

Despite what adult movies and chick flicks suggest, sex isn’t always a rampant act of extreme pleasure. But it doesn’t have to be a constant disappointment either. People of all genders are on the search for remedies to tackle the aforementioned issues. They’re using the likes of pharmaceutical pills, sex therapy, and breathing exercises to get the job done.

It might be time to add cannabis to this repertoire. We’re not suggesting you should fly high before you fornicate (unless that’s your thing). It’s CBD that is gaining traction between the sheets.

CBD AND SEX

Anecdotal surveys provide a unique peek into the world of cannabinoid-fuelled copulation. 5,398 Americans participated in a survey inquiring about CBD use in the bedroom. Over 9% of respondents claimed to have used the cannabinoid specifically for sex. Men reported lasting 31% longer on average, whereas 33% of women achieved orgasm faster. Interestingly, 72% of men and 76% of women experienced more intense orgasms. Although anecdotal evidence falls toward the bottom of the evidence hierarchy, such surveys provide interesting insights whilst the science is lacking.

So, can CBD actually improve your sex life? Can it really prolong your sexual experiences and enhance orgasms? There’s no clear answer to these questions. Let’s look at what the research has to say so far.

CAN CBD HELP RAMP UP SEX DRIVE?

Low libido can damage the sexual aspects of a relationship. This common problem has ties to stress, fatigue, and relationship issues. Loss of sexual attraction, poor communication, lack of trust, and becoming overly familiar with a partner can all contribute to a dip in sex drive.

Sex is the glue that holds many relationships together. Not that it’s all that matters, but it promotes intimacy and openness. When sex becomes less frequent, the fires of a relationship begin to dwindle. So, might CBD be able to spice up your sex life? Whilst the cannabinoid is yet to display efficacy for many causes of low sex drive, early evidence is in favour of an anti-anxiety effect. Anxiety can have a major effect on libido, resulting in lack of desire and avoidance of sex.

WHY NOT GIVE IT A GO?

How CBD impacts sex isn’t clear-cut. The lack of scientific evidence leaves anecdotes to paint a picture. Many people report increased sexual pleasure after consuming CBD, but only well-designed research will confirm if this outcome is repeatable. In the meantime, why not give it a shot? At the very least, friction will be much less of an issue, if you know what we mean.

Luke Sumpter

With a BSc (Hons) degree in Clinical Health Sciences and a passion for growing plants, Luke Sumpter has worked as a professional journalist and writer at the intersection of cannabis and science for the past 7 years.

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