CBD is a beneficial non-intoxicating compound with remarkable anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and pain-relieving properties. CBD regulates the master regulatory network in our bodies — the endocannabinoid system (ECS) — which controls sex drive and fertility on top of many other biological functions.
Using CBD can relax you in a natural way, improving sexual performance and making your sex life more enjoyable and satisfying. Most partners want to have a fulfilling sex life, but contemporary times make it very difficult to experience the joys with all the stress, pressure, and pain we’re put into by different situations.
Everybody needs something to help them kick back and stay stress-free during intercourse — and CBD seems to fit in like a glove.
Sex is a primal instinct that makes us human, so hiding a problem like erectile dysfunction (ED) isn’t a good idea. Consulting a urologist or sexologist may help you curb your erectile dysfunction and enjoy a better us-time with your partner. CBD helps a lot in this regard, whether your ED stems from chronic stress and anxiety issues or it’s caused by a health condition, this article will help you understand how to address the problem using natural remedies.
Ready to learn more about using CBD oil for erectile dysfunction?
Off we go!
What to Know About Erectile Dysfunction
Often abbreviated to ED, erectile dysfunction affects 30 million American men of different ages. The reasons men suffer from erectile dysfunction may be psychological, physiological, or a mix of both. Certain types of personality have a higher chance of developing the condition, such as those who are over 50, overweight, or have heart disease (1).
ED means that your “buddy” fails to live up to your expectations. To put it more directly, your penis can’t reach full erection if you have ED — preventing sexual intercourse.
If you belong to one of the above groups, you can find relief in prescription medications or psychotherapy, depending on the underlying cause. Recently, there has been a lot of rave about CBD’s potential benefits for sex life, making it more satisfying and less painful for both partners.
But is CBD oil an appropriate treatment for erectile dysfunction? Has anyone actually studied the effects of CBD on men with ED?
Let’s see.
Does CBD Oil Help with Erectile Dysfunction?
While there’s limited research on the topic of CBD as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, some studies indicate that the cannabinoid may address some of its suspected causes, therefore helping men regain their sexual health.
For example, one 2010 study found that there are cannabinoid receptors involved in male fertility, so it’s within reason that taking phytocannabinoids such as CBD may affect our reproductive health (2).
But more to the point of using CBD specifically for erectile dysfunction, let’s dive deeper into the potential areas of benefits.
CBD Reduces Anxiety
Performance anxiety may give rise to erectile dysfunction, especially in young men who are about to experience their first time in bed. A 2017 scientific review for the University of Washington conducted by Susan A. Stoner discussed how small amounts of cannabis can lower anxiety. According to Stoner, higher amounts of THC had the opposite effect and elevated anxiety, while CBD provided more consistency in terms of stress relief. This is a prime example of successfully taking CBD oil if the erectile dysfunction has a psychological background (3).
One year later, a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that cannabis reduced anxiety, stress, and depression in the short-term (4). The mentioned benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids could be a great option for men who don’t want to take pharmaceutical medications but would prefer to relieve situational ED.
CBD Supports Effective Weight Management
Obesity is one of the major physical causes of erectile dysfunction that CBD could potentially treat, although isolated CBD was nowhere near as effective as a full-spectrum extract with higher levels of THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin). In 2012, the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph released an article titled, “Cannabis Used to Treat Obesity-Related Diseases.” The author of the article wrote about the groundbreaking study conducted by GW Pharmaceuticals: “When the scientists examined two compounds, called THCV and cannabidiol, they were found to have an appetite-suppressing effect.” (5)
Cannabis has been repeatedly shown to lower body mass index (BMI) and reduce the rates of diabetes, and other metabolic conditions with regular use (7). Because CBD is either the primary or secondary compound in whole-plant cannabis extracts, it could have a significant effect on managing BMI, which could support healthy sexual function in males. Researchers are yet to investigate the specific role of CBD in this condition.
CBD Supports Cardiovascular Health
As you get older, physiological factors may have a greater impact on erectile dysfunction. To become erect, your penis relies on healthy blood flow, so erectile dysfunction has been correlated with poor cardiovascular health. Reduced blood flow and erectile dysfunction go hand in hand. In fact, ED is an indicator of underlying cardiovascular problems.
Studies investigating the relationship between CBD and the cardiovascular system, as well as research performed into CBD and vasodilation, have shown that taking CBD improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure. While THC has also been mentioned as a potential vasodilator, its intoxicating effects may be undesirable for some people (8–9).
CBD Curbs Pain
Pain is another physiological factor for developing erectile dysfunction. While minor discomforts shouldn’t impact your sexual functioning, chronic pain can make you unable to perform well in bed, and sometimes, it may even prevent you from getting an erection. When you finally get it, the inability to focus due to pain may cause you to temporarily lose performance, failing to achieve satisfaction.
CBD is a potent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever; it uses multiple pathways to address various causes of pain and alter its signaling to the brain (10–11). Therefore, you may use it with success to ease pain before sex.
CBD Or THC: Which Is Better for Erectile Dysfunction?
There is an evident difference between the effects of CBD and THC for erectile dysfunction.
As mentioned, low to moderate doses of THC can reduce anxiety before sex, which is one of the main reasons people use cannabis to enhance their intimate relationships. THC is also believed by many users to stimulate sexual arousal, intensifying the pleasure from intercourse.
There’s an explanation for it. THC has a similar chemical structure to anandamide, one of the major cannabinoids produced by the endocannabinoid system. Anandamide’s name comes from Sanskrit, meaning “ananda,” which translates to “bliss,” “joy,” and “happiness.”
Optimal levels of anandamide ensure mood stability, better stress response, higher pain threshold, and regulates emotional well-being.
THC acts on the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, fooling it that there’s more anandamide circulating in the bloodstream — hence the surge of dopamine, deep relaxation, elevated mood, and enhanced sexual pleasure.
However, when you consume too much THC at a time, it may produce the opposite effect and worsen your anxiety, sometimes creating paranoid thinking patterns. That’s because the brain ‘receives’ too much anandamide and goes a little bit over the top.
In contrast, CBD is non-intoxicating because it doesn’t have a direct affinity with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. CBD can actually counteract the psychotropic potential of THC by blocking the sites of receptors to which THC tries to bind. CBD also isn’t habit-forming and doesn’t raise one’s tolerance to it, which makes it a safer option for erectile dysfunction.
How to Use CBD Oil for Erectile Dysfunction
CBD is available in many different forms. You can choose from oils, capsules, edibles, concentrates, vape pens, and topicals.
The most commonly used form of CBD is oil. CBD oils are made of a hemp extract suspended in a food-grade carrier oil such as hemp oil, MCT oil, or olive oil.
CBD oil uses a dropper to measure out the desired amount of CBD oil. Droppers allow for easy and precise dosing. You need to place a few drops of the oil under the tongue and hold it there for up to 60 seconds before swallowing. From there, the oil will absorb through blood vessels in your mouth, avoiding the liver and the first-pass metabolism.
CBD capsules and edibles are preferred by those who dislike the taste of natural CBD oil. These products also carry a premeasured dose of CBD per serving, so they take away the guesswork. Edibles are where the creative entrepreneurial souls shine the most: you can choose from CBD infused gummies to honey sticks, protein bars, chocolates, and lollipops. Oral forms of CBD need to pass through the digestive system; as such, they have a delayed onset and lose some potency on their way to the bloodstream.
If you’re looking for fast symptom relief, CBD vapes will be your best bet. CBD vape pens usually work within a few minutes from inhalation, delivering the highest concentrations of CBD to your system.
Below we discuss other CBD products that are picked for their ability to help with erectile dysfunction.
CBD Cream for ED
CBD topicals are formulated to provide localized relief. When you’re suffering from physical discomfort that compromises your performance in bed, using a CBD cream or gel may come in handy. When applied to the skin, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the skin’s epidermis layer, reducing pain, inflammation, redness, swelling, and irritation.
CBD topicals provide effective yet short-lived relief; you’ll need to reapply them every few hours for consistent results. When choosing a CBD cream for erectile dysfunction, carefully read the ingredient list to check if it comes with any supportive ingredients that could make it more beneficial for the condition.
CBD Oil Lubricant for ED
CBD lubes have recently become very popular among couples looking to enhance their sex life. This is actually a win-win product for both sides. For women, it helps reduce dryness, making sex more enjoyable. Men, on the other hand, can benefit from the stress-relieving and vasodilating properties of CBD. Applying a CBD lube to your penis before sex can improve the blood flow within, not to mention the relaxing effects that allow you to focus on pleasure instead of the fear of underperforming.
Microdosing CBD for ED
If you want to improve your sex life by supporting the activity of your endocannabinoid system, stay under a dose of 2.5 mg, taken twice or three times a day. This dosage range will help you heighten your senses, achieve better focus, and improve your body’s response to stressors. Over time, you may start noticing a difference in your erectile functioning and mental alertness, realizing what a fantastic time you have with your partner.
Does Using CBD for Erectile Dysfunction Have Any Side Effects?
There’s a lot we still have to discover about CBD, but it’s a fact that this non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid will not get you high and has a well-established safety profile. It will not cause you to sustain an erection for a few hours or suffer a penis fracture. CBD also hasn’t been associated with loss of vision, unlike conventional ED treatments. In fact, CBD doesn’t have any serious side effects whatsoever.
That being said, there are a few mild reactions to be aware of. They include feelings of dry mouth, sleepiness, and mild nausea. One animal study has also shown that extremely high doses of CBD may harm the liver, but these results were observed in mice and haven’t been replicated in any human studies.
Long story short, CBD oil is much safer than traditional treatment options for ED, although the FDA has yet to acknowledge its therapeutic value in this regard.
Other Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
Although there’s evidence CBD may be beneficial for the causes of erectile dysfunction, it is not an approved treatment by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Oral medications taken before sexual intercourse are the first-choice among doctors treating ED along with lifestyle modifications. These drugs belong to the class of substances known as PDE5 inhibitors, and the most common one is sildenafil (Viagra). Other PDE5 inhibitors include avanafil (Stendra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra).
The aforementioned lifestyle changes can also have a positive effect on erectile dysfunction, so it’s advisable to take actions to modify negative behaviors and correct health conditions. Issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and certain mental disorders can also trigger ED, so getting professional counseling may be helpful.
If you’re apprehensive about taking pharmaceutical medications, there are some natural supplements, herbs, and vitamins that may have a beneficial effect on erectile dysfunction.
You can try the following remedies:
- Horny Goat – this traditional Chinese medicinal herb is often used to treat low sex drive and fatigue. Animal and lab studies have proven that horny goat weed contains a compound known as icariin, which is a mild PDE5 inhibitor.
- Yohimbine – A 2015 review of studies revealed that yohimbine, the active ingredient in Yohimbe bark, may work better than a placebo to treat erectile dysfunction.
- Vitamin D – Research shows that men who are deficient in vitamin D are more likely to develop problems with erections.
- Vitamin B3 – Some studies have found that vitamin B3 supplementation may help increase blood flow.
As with any health supplements, we recommend you to consult the idea of adding the above substances with a medical professional to treat ED. You should also do thorough research on the quality of these supplements, as this category of products is largely unregulated in the United States.
Wrapping It All Up: How CBD Helps with Erectile Dysfunction?
While the role of CBD and other cannabis compounds in erectile dysfunction isn’t clear, taking CBD oil can address many potential underlying causes of the condition.
Scientists link CBD use with reduced anxiety, better stress management, effective pain relief, and support for the cardiovascular system — all of which are equally important in maintaining healthy erectile function.
While CBD oil isn’t a cure-all, it can seriously improve your daily life if you combine it with a nutritious diet and an active lifestyle. Taking a holistic approach to your health is paramount for boosting your sexual performance.
Suggested Reading:
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Definition & Facts for Erectile Dysfunction.” Retrieved from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/definition-facts
- Cacciola, Giovanna et al. “Cannabinoids and Reproduction: A Lasting and Intriguing History.” Pharmaceuticals vol. 3,10 3275–3323. 25 Oct. 2010, doi:10.3390/ph3103275
- Stoner, S.A. “Effects of Marijuana on Mental Health: Anxiety Disorders.” Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute”, June 2017.
- Cuttler, Carrie et al. “A naturalistic examination of the perceived effects of cannabis on negative affect.” Journal of affective disorders vol. 235 (2018): 198-205. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2018.04.054
- Gray, R. “Cannabis Could Be Used to Treat Obesity-Related Disorders.” Retrieved from: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/9383640/Cannabis-could-be-used-to-treat-obesity-related-diseases.html
- Clark, Thomas M et al. “Theoretical Explanation for Reduced Body Mass Index and Obesity Rates in Cannabis Users.” Cannabis and cannabinoid research vol. 3,1 259-271. 21 Dec. 2018, doi:10.1089/can.2018.0045
- Stanley, Christopher P, et al. “Is the cardiovascular system a therapeutic target for cannabidiol?.” British journal of clinical pharmacology vol. 75,2 (2013): 313-22. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2012.04351.x
- Jadoon, Khalid A et al. “A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study.” JCI insight vol. 2,12 e93760. 15 Jun. 2017, doi:10.1172/jci.insight.93760
- Nagarkatti, Prakash et al. “Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs.” Future medicinal chemistry vol. 1,7 (2009): 1333-49. doi:10.4155/fmc.09.93
- Russo, Ethan B. “Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain.” Therapeutics and clinical risk management vol. 4,1 (2008): 245-59. doi:10.2147/tcrm.s1928