CBD is everywhere these days—in food, in skincare, in pet products, and even in the bedroom. With its anxiety-easing, anti-inflammatory, and pain-reducing effects, it’s no surprise that CBD can be beneficial to sexual health and make your sex better. In fact, studies show that nearly 70% of people who integrate CBD into their sex life report high levels of satisfaction. But what are the effects of CBD on sex?
Read on to find out how CBD affects our libido and the many different ways you can incorporate CBD in the bedroom so you can feel more connected with your partners and take the pleasure to another high.
CBD Effects on Sex Drive
Cannabidiol (CBD) stimulates the endocannabinoid system (ECS), but instead of binding directly with ECS receptors as THC does, CBD takes a different approach. CBD influences a variety of different pathways and receptors, causing many beneficial effects, which include encouraging the body to produce more endocannabinoids, reducing inflammation, reducing stress, and more.
You may already know that ECS receptors are present throughout the brain, but what you might not know is they are found throughout the body. That includes reproductive organs such as the testicles and ovaries.
Although more research is needed, some studies have shown that the effect of CBD on ECS receptors in sexual organs can increase pleasure.
Anandamide, also known as the “bliss hormone,” encourages bonding between two people. CBD can affect anandamide levels by keeping it in our system longer by preventing its reabsorption, which can definitely help take your sex life and pleasure to the next level.
Studies show a variety of conclusions about the direct effect of CBD on libido. Some have found that consuming CBD is beneficial in the bedroom, while others claim that chronic cannabis usage results in a lowered sex drive.
Unfortunately, we do not currently have a conclusive answer on the effect of CBD on sexual desire. What seems definite, however, is that CBD can reduce anxiety and stress, which can lead to better sex where you’re more in tune with your body and partners.
CBD can also reduce pain, balance hormones, and increase blood flow. All these factors can help take bedroom performances from stressful to ecstasy.
You might be wondering: does CBD enhance sex like THC? Although it can definitely improve it, it works a little differently from the effects of THC. While THC heightens senses and increases euphoria, CBD eases anxiety and produces physical effects like increased blood flow.
It seems likely that CBD increases sexual desire by making the sexual experience more enjoyable, rather than directly affecting the sex drive. Keep reading to learn how this works.
What are the Effects of CBD on Sex?
Since we’ve already covered CBD’s effect on your sex drive, let’s talk about the other ways CBD can offer benefits in the bedroom.
Less Stress
Stress and anxiety, whether over sex or anything else, can make sexual desire rapidly disappear. Studies have even shown that cortisol, the stress hormone, lowers sexual drive, as anyone who’s been too stressed to be in “in the mood” probably knows.
Stress reduction is one of CBD’s most well-known benefits, and it can work wonders to improve your sex life. By lowering cortisol levels and increasing serotonin and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), your body and mind become more relaxed and receptive to pleasure.
Balanced Hormones
Keeping your stress hormones in check can help the rest of your hormones stay balanced as well. For women, in particular, unbalanced hormones can have a very negative effect on libido and sexual performance.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps regulate our body’s systems and keep it in balance. Since CBD has an intimate relationship with the ECS, regular usage of CBD can help balance these systems, including the reproductive system.
Reduced Pain during sex
For women who experience pain during penetrative sex, you’re not alone. An estimated 40% of women suffer from dyspareunia, a catch-all term for any condition that makes sex painful.
The good news is that CBD is an effective analgesic or pain reliever. This effect is most likely thanks to its anti-inflammatory, muscle-relaxing capabilities.
Increased Orgasms
Not only does CBD increase sensitivity in nerve endings, but it also increases blood flow. Both effects can improve the length and intensity of orgasms dramatically.
For this particular benefit, CBD-infused lubes are the way to go. Applying CBD directly to the genitals ensures that every benefit is focused right where it needs to be.
Additionally, CBD can help men who have erectile dysfunction (ED) by not only putting them in a more relaxed state but improving blood flow to the penis for harder erections.
Using CBD Lube
Using CBD lube is one of the best ways to incorporate CBD into your sex life. It’s gentle on the skin for both men and women, is safe to ingest, and can intensely increase pleasure.
For the best results, try using cannabis-infused lube rather than CBD oil. You’ll also want to apply it about 15 minutes in advance. Even though it won’t get you high, CBD still needs 15 to 30 minutes to activate fully for maximum benefits.
Incorporating CBD lube into your foreplay routine will give the CBD time to be absorbed while also getting you and your partner more turned on before moving onto other things like penetrative sex.
Types of CBD Products and Sex Uses
Since it’s clear that the relationship between CBD and the sex drive can be very supportive, looking into CBD products for sexual enjoyment is worthwhile. Plus, you don’t have to limit yourself to CBD products designed specifically for spicing up your sex life to reap some fantastic benefits.
CBD Capsules/Pills
CBD pill benefits for sex are mostly long-term, as it helps the body regulate any preexisting problems and maintain balance. For example, taking them daily can help reduce stress, minimize anxiety, and balance hormones. Although this does not directly affect sexual performance, the increased state of health can improve your sex life.
CBD Lube
For women suffering from vaginal dryness, irritation, or pain, applying CBD lube before sex can help ease symptoms and make them feel less anxious and more relaxed. When it comes to sex, it’s easy to focus on the physical aspect, but the mental side is just as (if not more) important.
- Tip: It’s important to have lube on hand if you’re getting intimate with someone as it will make the experience more enjoyable for both you and your partner.
CBD Oil
Since one of the core causes of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is anxiety, the anxiety-calming effects of CBD oil can be very beneficial. Studies have shown that it can help ease the psychological side of ED when taken regularly or on a situational basis.
CBD Massage Lotion
CBD-infused massage lotions are a great way to ease into using CBD products in the bedroom. You can use specially-designed lotions to help each other relax or use regular CBD oil for a similar effect.
CBD Vaporizer
Adding a few drops of CBD oil to a cannabis vaporizer is a subtle way to get intense results. This option is a particularly good way to activate the benefits of anandamide, the “bliss” or “bonding” hormone.
CBD Edibles
For the best aphrodisiac effect, be sure to take a low to moderate dose as high doses can cause ED or too much sleepiness. Look for edibles that pair CBD with other known aphrodisiacs such as dark chocolate.
Sources
Leafly: Meet the ‘Bliss Molecule’ Anandamide, a Cannabinoid Your Body Produces.
Forbes: Study Explores Chemical Links Of Cannabis, Exercise, And Sexual Bliss.
