How CBD can improve your sex life

Sex and CBD – a match made in heaven? We take a look at the role the cannabinoid plays in the bedroom.

With many people stuck at home either alone or with a partner, the adult toy market has been buzzing with orders to keep people busy in the bedroom (or whatever room they prefer).

Research shows that Cult Beauty, a popular online retailer, saw a 61 percent increase in sex products since March 2020.

It was only a matter of time before someone had the idea to combine CBD with intimacy products. 

Although it is yet to be proven, those who are more experimental have been reaping the benefits of introducing CBD to their sex lives. 

Reducing pain

CBD has proven to be one of the best natural muscle relaxants. Combining the oil with a lubricant helps to soften the muscle tension in a female’s sexual organs. 

The lube increases blood flow and reduces pain internally. For women who struggle with penetrative sex because of conditions like endometriosis, vaginismus, vulvodynia or general discomfort, the CBD helps the muscles around the vulva to relax, allowing enjoyment instead of suffering. 

Boosting orgasms

Once the pain is reduced, it allows room for women to enjoy sex and experience greater pleasure, whether it’s during penetrative sex or masturbating. 

The pleasure that comes with exploring yourself or foreplay can be increased when the body (and mind) is relaxed. 

In 2019, a study suggested that cannabis extracts helped to increase the intensity of orgasms. The CBD is a vasodilator, that relaxes blood vessel muscles to allow the blood to rush to the sexual organs and increase the nerve sensation around them. 

Increased arousal

Struggling to get in the mood? If you’re stressed, chances are you’re going to be too distracted to get busy in the bedroom. Studies show that cortisol is the stress hormone, predominantly in women, responsible for a low libido. 

Introducing CBD reduces the cortisol levels by triggering the serotonin and activating the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you to relax and become more sensually receptive. By relaxing the pelvic floor and easing any tension in your body, the blood with flow more freely and as a result, you are more likely to feel increased arousal and pleasure.

Relieving anxiety

Sexual anxiety is a real thing. From feeling nervous about your appearance, to sexual performance anxiety, it’s very common to feel like you need to turn the lights off and wait until it’s dark outside before you let someone see you naked. But sex isn’t a chore, it’s a mental experience as well as a physical one. 

CBD is well-known for reducing stress, anxiety and the effect mental health conditions. By helping to accelerate the production of Anandamide, or the ‘bliss’ molecule, it is proven to reduce anxiety symptoms.

Erectile disfunction

Although it’s a taboo subject, erectile disfunction (ED) affects up to one in five men, the equivalent of 4.3 million men in the UK. 

With the CBD’s ability to increase libido and reduce anxiety, practitioners have suggested that it could help blood vessels to relax enough to speed up the blood flow in the penis and pro-long sex.