CBD and men’s sexual health

At this point CBD oil seems to have taken over the health and wellness industry with evidence suggesting that it can help with everything from chronic pain to anxiety, and period pain to depression. But another, and important, part of a healthy and happy lifestyle is maintaining a good sex life.

Erectile dysfunction can manifest as either the inability to gain or maintain an erection, or the sudden reduction of libido. And while it can be an embarrassing subject for men to discuss, there should be no shame in seeking out advice or solutions.

Viagra is currently the most popular medication available today. However, studies suggest ED is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease. Viagra’s links to potential cardiovascular problems mean it may not be the healthiest long-term solution for everybody.

To gain an erection, blood must flow to the penis. The build-up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances initiates an inflammatory response from the immune system causing restricted blood flow.

An article in the journal of Biomed Research International, states that the use of the plant from which CBD is derived can improve sexual performance due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It also cites historical evidence of natural plants and herbs being used in thetreatment of reproductive disorders and recommends further studies to explore this.

Obesity can also be a cause of erectile dysfunction and some people find that CBD can reduce their appetite.

Science correspondent Richard Gray wrote about a study conducted by GW Pharmaceuticals: “When the scientists examined two compounds, called THCV and cannabidiol, they were found to have an appetite-suppressing effect.”

While it is not recommended that CBD be used on its own as a weight loss aid, evidence suggests that it could improve the condition as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

A 2015 study shows that anxiety and depression can also be key factors with a significant number of men having pre-existing anxiety issues prior to suffering from erectile dysfunction.

It’s not just men suffering from pre-existing mental health issues that can be affected however. The many stresses of life can directly affect bedroom performance. These stresses can indirectly lead to impotence as they may be a trigger for alcohol or drug abuse as well as low mood, exhaustion or a general lack of sexual appetite.

The anxiolytic, anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties of CBD along with the terpenes in full-spectrum CBD oils may help to alleviate these stresses.

While these studies may not be conclusive, anecdotal evidence points to the calming effect that CBD can have on most people. When it comes to ‘performance anxiety’ this effect is widely considered helpful in taking the edge off the stress that may occur when dealing with ED.

Diana Urman, a certified sex educator with a practice in San Francisco, believes that CBD can help reduce sexual anxiety. She says: “Many people say they feel more spontaneous and adventurous [after using CBD]. There is also sometimes an increased sensitivity to touch and increased willingness to be more engaged and sensual which, in turn, enhances sexual pleasure and deepens orgasmic abilities.”

CBD stimulates the endocannabinoid system that is situated throughout the body, including the testicles. So, it stands to reason why this stimulation can be linked to an improvement in libido due to CBD’s indirect activation causing the body to respond in a variety of ways, such as anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant.

As Dr. Perry Solomon, chief medical officer at HelloMD, said in a Men’s Journal article in 2016: “The way I see it, why not try cannabis? There are side effects to Viagra and zero side effects to cannabis when dosed properly. Maybe it’s just making them feel better and relaxed, and that’s making it easier for them to enjoy sex, but it’s still working.”

Moderation is key though and currently there are no human studies on CBD’s direct effect on erectile dysfunction with most of the evidence as to the effects on the libido as anecdotal. It may be that you have a friend who swears by CBD oil whereas others may find it ineffective.

Indeed, some research has indicated that too much smoking cannabis can actually cause ED, despite the fact that it may still increase sexual desire. So, it is clear that more research may need to be done into CBD’s effect on the physiological causes of ED, even if we are confident that it is a viable solution for the psychological causes.