CBD and libido: Can CBD improve your sex life?
How does CBD affect libido?
A much debated question is whether CBD and THC increase or decrease libido. The truth is that no cannabinoid directly improves sexual desire. At least in the sense that they don't work like other aphrodisiacs or sexual stimulants. Instead, CBD works in a more passive way.
It increases libido indirectly by addressing other factors that can have a negative impact on libido - such as stress, lack of sleep, nervousness about anticipated performance, pain, and more. We know that people enjoy better sex when they are relaxed, stress-free and pain-free. This may seem obvious to you, but the reality is that many people don't meet these basics, and realizing the connection between mental or physical stress and decreased sex drive can be complicated. When your body is stressed, sick or generally out of balance, it doesn't focus on reproduction. The result is symptoms that are collectively referred to as "low libido." Of course people don't engage in sex every time just for reproduction, but reproduction is what motivates the human body to feel aroused.
Is CBD an aphrodisiac?
Traditional aphrodisiacs usually support the health of your body, which can boost your libido. There are very few aphrodisiacs that are direct sexual stimulants. Most of them are simply adaptogens or generally health-promoting herbs. When we are healthier, we are hornier. It's that simple. You can think of CBD in a similar way. It's not that CBD directly increases libido, but it relaxes the body and regulates homeostasis (balance). This ultimately leads to higher sex drive and/or better sex.
In this sense, CBD can be considered an aphrodisiac. However, its effects can last for a few days or even weeks, and will not have much of an impact on people who are not stressed or in balance. But let's be realistic, that's not the case for many people these days.
CBD and painful intercourse
Pain during sex has sometimes been experienced by almost every woman. For many of them, it is a long-term and recurrent problem. Although it is recommended that anyone who feels pain during sex for a prolonged period of time should talk to their doctor about it, it turns out that only about half of women tell their partners, let alone their doctor. Painful sex can occur for many reasons, but one of the main causes is dryness. Vaginal dryness can cause painful friction and irritation during and after sex. There are many causes, including menopause, low libido or HSDD, side effects of birth control or other medications, and many others. This is where CBD lubricant comes in. CBD lube is like any other sexual lubricant, but it is enriched with CBD.
The benefit of CBD in these products is threefold:
- Directly relieves pain
- Relaxes muscles to further reduce friction (its lubricant component takes care of most of this)
- Prevents or relieves inflammation caused by friction (inflammation leads to pain)
If you are experiencing painful sex for other reasons, such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts or PCOS, the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD may work to soothe irritation and reduce pain for these conditions as well.
CBD and PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in women that affects at least 10% of the population - and probably many more. This may be due to misdiagnosis for symptoms with many possible causes and poor care for women who suffer from pain. PCOS is a syndrome that affects hormones. It is often caused by high testosterone, ovulation and insulin levels. One of the main symptoms of this disease is low libido. This can further lead to pain during intercourse due to vaginal dryness. Other symptoms include weight gain, depression and infertility. A diagnosis of PCOS can really change your life. It is important for any woman who has irregular periods, excessive facial hair or ovarian cysts to discuss possible PCOS with her doctor.
Can CBD help with PCOS?
When it comes to treatment, doctors are still researching what works best. It largely depends on what symptoms you have, whether you are trying to get pregnant, and many other factors. However, CBD can help manage some of the symptoms of PCOS. PCOS sufferers can take CBD to help maintain insulin and blood sugar levels, as well as to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. This requires consistent and long-term use of CBD (orally).
CBD has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, allowing the body to regulate blood sugar more easily. Another impact of this insulin sensitivity is easier weight loss, which is one of the main problems with PCOS. CBD has also been shown to relieve anxiety - a common side effect of PCOS.
CBD and HSDD (hypoactive - reduced sexual desire)
Hypoactive - reduced sexual desire (HSDD) is a disorder characterized by low sexual desire in women. It can take the form of low sexual desire, absence of sexual fantasies and lack of desire for sex. Similar to erectile dysfunction, this disorder can become a major cause of psychological difficulties. Patients may feel embarrassed and many cite it as a reason for problems in personal relationships.
So far, there are few studies that address the question of why HSDD occurs in women and how to address the problem. The only drug designed to combat this problem is flibanserin, it has a number of negative side effects such as depression, insomnia and hypotension, not to mention that users cannot drive for six hours after taking the drug. Many doctors and researchers believe that HSDD may be linked to depression or stress. So it is possible that CBD, as a powerful stress reliever, may offer help with this condition.
CBD and erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can occur for many reasons - from stress to high blood pressure to tobacco use and many more. In both young and older men, nervousness about the anticipated performance is a common cause. Many men feel that sex is a highly stressful affair in which they have to give a flawless performance. Ironically, this pressure can make the performance itself difficult. Performance anxiety, coupled with societal pressure on men to perform sexually at virtually any time, can make it difficult to achieve and then maintain an erection and to maintain a high sexual desire overall.
It is important to remember that there is no reason to be ashamed of the ED. In our country, erectile dysfunction affects approximately half of men aged 35-65. Many men struggle with this problem with the help of medications such as sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis). But they often resort to medication too soon. They want to solve the ED problem "ASAP" with prescription drugs that change the way blood flows to the penis. This is a "physical" fix because it affects the anatomy of the penis. Most cases of ED are not caused by a physical problem. Rather, it is a psychological problem brought on by pressure to perform and stress. This means that the best treatment is to address the problem of anxiety and nervousness, for which CBD is particularly useful. ED medications carry with them a number of side effects such as diarrhea, headache, priapism and others. Unless absolutely necessary, it is better to avoid them. However, as already mentioned, ED can also cause physical problems. So if stress management doesn't work, talk to your doctor about other options.
How to use CBD in ED
There have never been any official studies on the effects of CBD in treating ED, but there are many anecdotal reports of men who have used it successfully for mild to moderate ED. CBD is specifically used to alleviate performance anxiety that causes ED especially in young men. CBD in this case is taken in the form of oil or gummy candies at least an hour before intercourse. Sexologist Diana Urman reports that CBD puts users in a better mood, breaks down inhibitions and generally eases nervousness. All of this together allows for better sexual performance.
As for external administration (CBD lube), Urman says CBD can cause increased sensitivity, which can make it easier to achieve an erection during foreplay. Its use can also lead to better and more intense orgasms.
CBD and sex: What the research says
On this issue, using CBD for sex depends on the person and the couple. For some people, it works wonders, while others feel no difference. Some studies even point to a lower sex drive in men who use cannabis (THC). Other studies have found that cannabis increases sex drive in users who do not experience the side effect of THC intoxication in the form of increased prolactin levels. Research has not yet yielded clear conclusions about cannabinoids and sex, but researchers support the idea that CBD may improve various aspects of sexual health due to its anti-anxiety and analgesic effects.
When you are relaxed, inflammation and also stress is relieved, you are likely to feel more excited. When you are aroused, all aspects of sexual performance work better, including erections, vaginal wetness, and many others.
Interaction of CBD with drugs
When using CBD for libido enhancement, it is important to check for possible interactions with other drugs. If you are taking medication for ED, it is a good idea to take a lower dose of CBD to avoid the amplified effects of CBD and ED medication. None of these substances interact directly, but CBD or other cannabinoids can slow down the metabolism of prescription drugs, increasing the chance of side effects. Interactions also commonly occur with anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, blood thinners, and antihypertensives (blood pressure medications). Although the chances of a negative drug interaction are small, it is important to rule out more serious interactions that could theoretically occur. The bottom line is that if you are taking any prescription medications, it is advisable to talk to your doctor before taking CBD.
Conclusion: is CBD an aphrodisiac?
CBD is not an aphrodisiac in the traditional sense, but there is strong evidence pointing to its ability to increase libido and sexual satisfaction by indirect means. Because CBD promotes overall health, relieving anxiety, pain and inflammation, one of the effects is often a better experience of the sexual act. Whether you suffer from a disorder that causes low libido or you just want to improve your experience of sex, CBD lubricants and oils can give you an increased sex drive and better sex overall.
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