Sex is a very subjective matter. When it comes to complaints about sexual activity, particularly in long term relationships, problems with sexual satisfaction often come down to a number of common issues. Often, patience and communication are key, but sometimes physiological or psychological problems can play their part. Could CBD help improve your sex life?
68% of male and female CBD oil users said ‘yes’! A survey of 1000 users, carried out for Remedy Review, found that those who tried CBD oil for sexual purposes said it improved their overall sexual experience.
It’s not a surprising result when you consider that CBD sets off a series of reactions throughout the body that stimulate the receptors within the endocannabinoid system, a system which is a collection of cell receptors, called cannabinoid receptors, in the brain, other organs, and tissues throughout the body.
Pain relief
One of cannabidiol’s most popular properties is its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, offering users pain relief. This can be a big game-changer for people who experience painful sex. Women who struggle with medical conditions such like Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), Chronic Pain, and, Muscle spasms, may find sex difficult and less enjoyable. However, CBD can be used to make sex more comfortable by helping with muscle relaxation, pain relief and reduced inflammation.
Menopausal symptoms
Medical News Today also reported that CBD may be able to relieve certain symptoms of menopause, such as dryness and loss of sensitivity. The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in menopause, and as CBD stimulates the receptors within this system, it makes sense to conclude that it will also have an influence on the effects of menopause.
Low libido
Cannabis can also aid sufferers of low libido. A 2017 study of cannabis users found that cannabis actually activated the part of people’s brains that controls sexual arousal. Researchers commented that ‘this effect may be useful in the treatment of low sexual desire.’
Results from studies researching the correlation between anxiety and sexual arousal in women have shown that the stress hormone ‘cortisol’ can also be common in lowering your libido. Anxiety, both general and specific to sexual performance, ‘limits a woman’s sexual arousal.’ CBD has been widely proven to aid with anxiety, therefore indirectly helps with sexual wellbeing. Diana Urman, a certified sex educator with a practice in San Francisco, believes that CBD can help reduce sexual anxiety. In an interview with HuffPost, she said “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.”
Erectile dysfunction
Performance anxiety may present itself in men through erectile dysfunction, another common problem encountered during sex. Causes of erectile dysfunction can be physiological and/or psychological or sometimes a mixture of both. It is theorised that CBD can help relax blood vessels and promote blood flow which can help with longer-lasting sex. While these theories suggest CBD can aid with physiological ED, greater amounts of research show that CBD can aid with the psychological causes of ED too. A number of studies into CBD has been proven to aid with anxiety and therefore can play an important role in alleviating people with ED caused by performance anxiety. Dr Perry Solomon, chief medical officer at HelloMD stated ‘There are side effects to Viagra and zero side effects to cannabis when dosed properly.’ therefore ‘why not try cannabis’ when it comes to male sexual arousal.
Helps with orgasms
A 2009 research paper studying the effects of cannabinoids on female sexual function found that cannabis led to longer, more satisfying orgasms. Mentioned before, CBD can increase blood flow to tissues and improve nerve sensation, both of which can help make sex more pleasurable while intensifying an orgasm.
CBD sexual health products
Keen on bringing CBD into the bedroom? There are a number of products available to buy on the UK market, all designed to take advantage of CBDs sexually enhancing properties.
Dr Ed
Founded by Neuroscientist, Dr Edward Jones from the University of Manchester, CBD brand Dr Ed has an entire range dedicated to libido enhancement. The range consists of a CBD oil that is designed to help support a healthy libido in a safe and natural way, an anti-inflammatory massage oil, and a long-lasting CBD lubricant that also increases blood flow and enhances muscle relaxation.
High on Love
After years of travel and research High on Love’s founder, Angela Mustone was travelling in the Far East where she discovered that the mind and body connect so much more intimately when blending the ‘transformative benefits of Cannabis oil with Pure Aromas, and a dose of romance’. Crafted with luxurious blends of premium grade cannabis seeds and essential oils, High On Love was created. High on Love makes sensual massage candles, bath oils and their best selling Stimulating Oil made from premium grade hemp seed that ignites a more ‘intense and profound orgasmic experience’
Foria
Founded in 2013, Foria is an innovative health & sexual wellness company, ‘rooted in the proven wisdom of plants’. All of Foria’s products are made from CBD and organic-certified hemp with organic plant extracts that amplify CBD’s effects. Foria’s products range from topical oils for arousal and pleasure, intimacy suppositories for localised benefits, a natural lubricant and an intimacy vape pen.