Marijuana and Erectile Dysfunction – What Are The Facts?

Using Marijuana and Erectile Dysfunction

How Can Smoking Cannabis Affect Sex?

As marijuana becomes legal in more and more US states, how people perceive the drug is also changing. But are marijuana and erectile dysfunction linked?

Instead of being viewed as a stigma and a recreational drug, it’s being seen as a potentially helpful medication for several conditions. 

In a recent study, researchers have found a correlation between marijuana and erectile dysfunction due to marijuana’s effect on cannabinoid receptors.

It’s no secret that smoking pot can improve your sex life by helping you to relax and enjoy the sexual experience more, but did you know that it may also be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction? 

Keep reading to learn about marijuana and erectile dysfunction.

What is erectile dysfunction?

In short, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition in which a man has difficulty getting or maintaining an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. 

Sometimes ED is temporary and can be related to something as simple as not being aroused yet.

Other times, it can be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition. 

Nearly half of all men over age 50 in the United States experience some degree of erectile dysfunction.

However, younger men also face the risk of ED.

About 15% of younger men have problems with erectile dysfunction, especially if they smoke, have diabetes, heart disease, or are overweight.

Furthermore, approximately 5% of young men have such severe problems that they’re unable to have sex, according to the international index of erectile function

There are many treatments available to help men overcome ED, and most do not require medications or surgery.

Even if you don’t want treatment now, seeing your doctor about marijuana and erectile dysfunction will help make sure your condition isn’t linked to another health problem later on.

Smoking Marijuana and Erectile Dysfunction

ED is a condition where men have difficulty getting an erection for sexual activity.

ED can be caused by common conditions, including stress, anxiety disorders, physical or psychological factors, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, or drug abuse. 

In some cases, the risk factors of ED can be physical. Men who are overweight are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction because excess weight around their abdomen restricts blood flow in their bodies. 

Other possible causes of erectile dysfunction include blocked arteries that prevent blood from flowing into your penis or hormonal changes linked to aging and diabetes. 

If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction, seek medical advice before turning to medical treatments or supplements to manage it effectively.

Your doctor will consider lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, losing weight if you’re overweight, lowering your cholesterol levels through regular exercise, and a healthy diet such as increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, and fish to lower high blood pressure.

They may also ask about any health conditions that could cause erectile dysfunction, like neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis or medications that lower blood pressure, and might suggest changing prescription medications if necessary.

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It’s estimated that as many as 1 in 3 American men have erectile dysfunction.

Despite its relatively common nature, few men openly discuss their sexual health or inability to achieve or maintain an erection.

If you’re experiencing sexual problems, it could be due to ED – but if it is, you shouldn’t let embarrassment keep you from seeking help.

Thankfully, new research has pointed to a potential new cure for ED – medical marijuana.

More specifically, researchers have discovered that chemicals present in the cannabis plant can increase blood flow throughout the human body, including blood vessels in and around your penis.

Additionally, marijuana use increases dopamine levels and makes you feel relaxed and uninhibited – factors that can help when having sex.

So if you want to improve your sex life without making any drastic changes, try smoking (or otherwise consuming) some marijuana before hitting up playtime.

Marijuana use increases dopamine levels and makes you feel relaxed and uninhibited—factors that can help when having sex.

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How marijuana impacts your sex life

Cannabis can increase blood flow to specific body parts, including your penis.

More blood pumps into the erectile tissue, filling it with oxygen-rich red blood cells when you get aroused. With heightened levels of oxygen flowing to these tissues, they become stiffer and firmer.

This may help boost sensation during sex or other types of sexual stimulation.

Researchers still aren’t sure about the long-term effects on men’s sex lives, but in short-term studies, many cannabis users report increased sexual arousal when taking THC in pill form.

And some men report higher levels of sexual desire after using marijuana. 

The key is finding out what works for you by experimenting with different dosages.

For example, instead of smoking pot for an hour or two before getting busy, try taking a few puffs 20 minutes beforehand.

Or opt for oral consumption, such as edibles or tinctures. Oral consumption takes longer to kick in than smoking or vaping, but it lasts longer than inhaled cannabis once activated. 

The verdict is still out on the effects of cannabis on fertility in men, and there is no definitive conclusion.

While some research suggests that cannabis can lower sperm count, not all studies have found a link between marijuana use and infertility.

Talk to your doctor about what’s best for you if you plan to start a family soon.

Cannabis isn’t for everyone. If you take too much cannabis, you may end up feeling anxious or paranoid, which can dampen your desire to have sex.

And people with certain health conditions should steer clear of marijuana.

For example, if you suffer from migraines, mental health issues, high blood pressure, or are at risk for heart disease, it’s a good idea to avoid cannabis until you speak with your doctor.

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Things To know about Marijuana and Erectile Dysfunction

Here are 3 things you should keep in mind when using marijuana for erectile disfunction:

1. Make sure you are using cannabis Sativa appropriately

Some people don’t realize that erectile dysfunction is due to poor blood flow to your penis rather than a lack of sexual desire. 

Health issues can reduce blood flow to your penis, including;

Find out if Marijuana is safer to use than Alcohol.

Make sure that marijuana isn’t one of them before assuming it will help with your ED. 

If you are using marijuana for ED, talk with your doctor about these side effects before deciding whether or not you should use it.

2. Limited trials of marijuana for Erectile Disfunction

When it comes to drug administration, you’re on your own, such as determining dosing or how often you should be taking it.

THC, marijuana’s active ingredient, actually has a dual effect on blood flow to your penis.

While it does increase blood flow in some marijuana users by up to 30%, it also increases heart rate by up to 50%. 

If you are using marijuana for ED, talk with your doctor about these side effects before deciding whether or not you should use it.

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3. Consider using CBD oil

It’s not yet clear how effective CBD oil is for treating ED but some studies have shown that it has beneficial effects on sexual performance. 

When you decide to try CBD products as an alternative to marijuana, be sure that it is extracted from hemp rather than cannabis.

Otherwise, its legality could be questionable.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the best way to treat your sexual dysfunction symptoms safely.

Finally, keep in mind that while current research shows that cannabinoids play an important role in increasing blood flow.

Very few human studies have specifically looked at the effects of marijuana on men’s ability to get an erection.

Those studies that exist show mixed results – but also show strong potential for positive effects.

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Marijuana and Erectile Dysfunction - The Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about smoking up to improve your sex life or boost sexual pleasure, don’t – or at least not for that reason.

The evidence isn’t there, especially if you have a long-term partner already with whom you have a healthy sex life.

If recreational use of marijuana interferes with your ability to enjoy an active love life, and it’s impairing your judgement or performance in bed, then that could be another story.

Try to think about what kind of sex life your weed habit is helping you achieve.

Does regular use help? Is it hurting? Decide before taking that next smoke.

In a recent study, nearly 75% of male patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction who were given medical cannabis experienced increased sexual performance.

These patients’ erections were of better quality and lasted longer than before, and they reported that their sexual satisfaction was also improved.

If you have erectile dysfunction due to performance anxiety or any other factor, don’t hesitate to give medical marijuana a try.

You may be pleasantly surprised!