Can CBD Enhance Sexual Wellness?
What does the research say about CBD for sex performance? While the research is still in its infancy, there are promising signs that CBD may enhance the sexual experience in various ways. More importantly, CBD’s proven positive impact on mood, stress and general wellness provides a solid foundation for its potential to support sexual wellness. Feeling good mentally and physically is a key factor in a healthy sex life and sexual performance. The emergence of CBD oil products formulated to enhance intimacy is a testament to this potential.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read):
CBD oil products are appearing in the marketplace with formulations focused on improving intimacy and sexual wellness. The research on CBD for sex is minimal.
The endocannabinoid system includes the reproductive systems, so they have cannabinoid receptors. This means CBD will have some effects, but those effects concerning sexual wellness are not well-researched.
Some research has found CBD may benefit women by increasing hormone production and may help men experiencing erectile dysfunction. There is a growing amount of anecdotal evidence showing CBD oil is helping people achieve better sexual performance. What CBD can do for sex performance is promote relaxation, less discomfort and general wellness, all of which can make intimacy more enjoyable.
Table of Contents
Does CBD Affect Sexual Wellness?
Many individuals are turning to CBD for sexual wellness, citing its ability to promote relaxation and enhance intimate experiences. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that CBD may alleviate discomfort from chronic conditions, promote relaxation, and increase lubrication in intimate areas. In the absence of extensive research, these personal accounts play a crucial role in inspiring and shaping new clinical trials, making each individual’s experience a valuable contribution to the field.
CBD and other cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS system manages the balance in your body’s systems through receptor interactions with cannabinoids and other compounds. The functioning of the ECS impacts the female and male reproductive systems because CB1 and CB2 receptors have been identified in ovaries, testes and other reproductive system tissues. In fact, CB1 receptors have been found in the male’s testes, prostate, vas deferens and sperm.
What is the Endocannabinoid System
The research on CBD’s effects on sexual wellness is very limited, and most evidence is anecdotal. However, there is already some research that shows evidence CBD may deliver benefits that support sexual performance in different ways. For example, CBD has been shown to produce antioxidant actions.
A survey of US adults using CBD products for over a month reported experiencing more general health and wellness, improved sleep quality, less discomfort in back and more. After four weeks, 31.2% stopped taking over-the-counter drugs, and 19.2% stopped prescription drugs.
All of these wellness benefits can contribute to sexual wellness. When you are energized and feeling well, sexual performance is more enjoyable.
Studies About CBD Oil and Sexual Wellness
There are some studies about CBD oil and sexual wellness. A lot more research is needed because some studies report conflicting findings. In general though, there is enough evidence already leading researchers to consistently recommend additional clinical studies.
A search of peer-reviewed journals on cannabinoids and female sexual function found that the effects on female sexual desire were low dose-dependent. In other words, you do not have to take a lot of CBD to enjoy its benefits. Still, the specific amount has not been determined.
A survey of men and women on how their cannabis use altered their sexual experiences found that cannabis helped them relax, increased the intensity of feelings and increased sensitivity to touch. Some did say the cannabis made them sleepy or had no effect on their sexual experience.
CBD lube for women’s use is sold today. However, there are no studies verifying producers’ claims that it may improve blood flow and relax muscles, which could theoretically increase lubrication.
The company Base ran a clinical trial to measure CBD’s effects on women’s sex hormones. The results found a measurable increase in the hormones estrogen, progesterone, estradiol and testosterone. There was a significant decrease in the stress hormone cortisol. The participants took gummies and noted the positive effect of CBD on libido within two days.
There is conflicting information spread around about the effect of CBD on sexual wellness for men. One study reviewed 32 studies on the effects of CBD on the male reproductive systems in men, rats, monkeys and mice. The conclusion was that CBD may have adverse effects on the male reproductive system, including reducing sperm counts. However, it was made clear that knowledge is limited, and the mechanisms of action need more research.
A different study found that cannabis may increase sexual desire. Full spectrum CBD oil contains THC, so research involving THC is important. THC does interact with the endogenous cannabinoid signaling system and has been identified as influencing sexual behavior.
Men with sexual dysfunction were found to have a positive response when taking cannabis in small amounts. However, studies are finding that taking too much THC has been proven to impair sexual functioning. Once again, more research is needed to determine how different dose amounts impact men’s and women’s reproductive systems.
Does the method of CBD consumption matter? For example, are CBD gummies good for sex in the same way as CBD oil?
CBD gummies would work the same as oils, except gummies are edibles and will take longer to have any effects. Any CBD edible must go through the digestive system.
As you can see, there are many unanswered questions about CBD and sexual performance.
How Do You Use CBD Oil for Sex?
How you use CBD for intimacy depends on the type of product. If taking CBD oil, you should follow the recommended dosage and begin with a low-potency amount. Many factors influence how much CBD to take, like weight, metabolism and diet. The CBD spectrum is another factor because the full spectrum has up to .3% THC, and the broad spectrum is THC-free (or only has a trace). Starting with a low potency amount, you can increase the dosage as you determine the effects at different amounts.
CBD oil may be taken sublingually or swallowed. There are CBD sprays for sexual enhancement that can be applied topically or used orally.
A CBD herbal tea for promoting sexual wellness is made with various herbs and botanicals known to evoke feelings of passion and warmth. They include lemon balm, rose petals, ginger, horny goat weed (Yin Yang Huo) and more. You can sip the tea within an hour of a sexual encounter to get “in the mood” and give CBD and the other ingredients time to reach the bloodstream.
There are no firm guidelines for how to use CBD oil for sex. However, there are several essential points to keep in mind.
- Do not wait until right before your sexual encounter to take CBD because it needs time to take effect, i.e., take CBD oil 30-60 minutes before sex.
- CBD accumulates in your tissues, so its full effects are most likely felt after taking CBD for a couple of weeks to a month.
- Do not use CBD products in unintended ways because there may be ingredients that should not reach intimate areas, i.e., do not use CBD as an internal lubricant when it is not formulated as a lubricant.
Standard guidelines recommend only purchasing high-quality products from CBD brands with an established good reputation for transparency about ingredients. Review the Certificate of Analysis (COA) prepared by an independent laboratory for any product of interest. The COA tells you the type and amount of cannabinoids in the CBD product and the amount of CBD per serving.
General Wellness Supports Sexual Wellness
The limited and conflicting scientific research on CBD and sex means there are no definitive conclusions to share. However, sex is more pleasurable when an individual is relaxed and feeling less discomfort. CBD has been found to be a mood uplifter, and that also enhances sexual performance. The studies have shown CBD may promote general wellness, and mental, emotional and physical wellness promotes sexual wellness. As always, it is important to discuss the use of CBD with a doctor before taking it for the first time.
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