Cannabis and sexual dysfunction in men
- Thread starter ltv
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His_Highness
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king
From my anecdotal position....no. I'm 63 and can't remember the last time I had sex without getting high.
Age, alcohol, prostate issues, high blood pressure, obesity, low testosterone and a myriad of psychological issues can be culprits - might be a good idea to see a doctor and get some tests. The causes listed can be way more serious than ED.....
Age, alcohol, prostate issues, high blood pressure, obesity, low testosterone and a myriad of psychological issues can be culprits - might be a good idea to see a doctor and get some tests. The causes listed can be way more serious than ED.....
Thank you for the reply.
I have a few years on you.
I don’t drink, don’t have high blood pressure and have a bmi of 23. I had surgery to correct BPH a few years ago. And last test, testosterone was average for my age.
A Google search did show ED with cannabis.
No article stated the amount consumed for ED to occur.
My doctor approved 20 mgs of Cialis. See if that works.
Also thought about choosing a testosterone booster.
I have a few years on you.
I don’t drink, don’t have high blood pressure and have a bmi of 23. I had surgery to correct BPH a few years ago. And last test, testosterone was average for my age.
A Google search did show ED with cannabis.
No article stated the amount consumed for ED to occur.
My doctor approved 20 mgs of Cialis. See if that works.
Also thought about choosing a testosterone booster.
His_Highness
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king
Hopefully others will chime in if they had to abstain from weed to do the deed or something similar.
It doesn't sound like BPH is the cause for you but my understanding is that BPH is a sign of things to come. My older brother has had BPH issues for years and just had his second surgery after 4 years. If I remember correctly he said the surgery included shaving down an area that had grown that could grow again and for him...it did.
BPH changes in male sex hormones, that come with aging, may be a factor....got this from my Google Degree
I also have a slightly enlarged prostate. I joke with my older brother about keeping in touch so I know what I'm gonna get as I get older. My primary care was willing to prescribe something for it but I declined when he said it's a little early and the meds would diminish the strength of my orgasms. His exact words when I asked him for details "Your orgasms would go from bang to poof".
In terms of testosterone - on the low end of average for my age. My primary care was open to testosterone supplementation but I took a pass on this as well because of the cost and his insistence that its common and I'm "currently" borderline.
Let me know where things go....I may not be in the same boat yet but I'm well on my way to treading water.
It doesn't sound like BPH is the cause for you but my understanding is that BPH is a sign of things to come. My older brother has had BPH issues for years and just had his second surgery after 4 years. If I remember correctly he said the surgery included shaving down an area that had grown that could grow again and for him...it did.
BPH changes in male sex hormones, that come with aging, may be a factor....got this from my Google Degree
I also have a slightly enlarged prostate. I joke with my older brother about keeping in touch so I know what I'm gonna get as I get older. My primary care was willing to prescribe something for it but I declined when he said it's a little early and the meds would diminish the strength of my orgasms. His exact words when I asked him for details "Your orgasms would go from bang to poof".
In terms of testosterone - on the low end of average for my age. My primary care was open to testosterone supplementation but I took a pass on this as well because of the cost and his insistence that its common and I'm "currently" borderline.
Let me know where things go....I may not be in the same boat yet but I'm well on my way to treading water.
I had bph surgery. Absolutely no symptoms of bph such as frequent urination, especially at night.
I disliked the surgery (any surgery) but now I urinate like I was in my 20’s. Unfortunately not all plumbing is working as when I was in my 20’s or even late 40’s.
Prior to bph surgery I was on an alpha blocker such as Rapaflo and Flomax. They decrease the need to mictuate.
His_Highness, would you please Google ED caused by cannabis.
I’d like your thoughts. TY
I disliked the surgery (any surgery) but now I urinate like I was in my 20’s. Unfortunately not all plumbing is working as when I was in my 20’s or even late 40’s.
Prior to bph surgery I was on an alpha blocker such as Rapaflo and Flomax. They decrease the need to mictuate.
His_Highness, would you please Google ED caused by cannabis.
I’d like your thoughts. TY
His_Highness
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king
Here's another anecdotal story: My wife was scheduled for surgery and I Googled Cannabis and Surgery and there were multiple references to blood thinning among other concerns. When we asked the anesthesiologist, primary care and surgeon whether she should abstain from vaping ... in each case we were told it would be a good idea to stop using cannabis a couple days before surgery but that the blood thinning isn't significant enough to be a concern. They were more concerned about things like aspirin and Ginkgo. So while there are many references to many possible things ... the severity of the affect may be the real truth teller.
I read through 3 different documents/studies. Probably the most comprehensive document was: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6893937/
In all studies, the consumption of cannabis has been through smoking. Only one study assessed the duration of cannabis use in months (Aldemir et al., 2017). Unfortunately "smoking" reduces the validation of the sources from the link above for me. My health and my wife's health significantly improved when we stopped smoking and vaped.
Summary: The available studies are somewhat inconclusive relative to ED and requires more study. Cannabis use has been documented as a plus for sex due to its increasing sexual desire and arousal. Some studies show that when THC reaches the brain, it gives users the feeling of being “high.” This interferes with your body’s normal functions. It may also impact the normal function of the penis’s smooth muscle, resulting in ED. Pick your poison? As of 2018 - The medical community has not found conclusive evidence that using cannabis, or marijuana, leads to ED.
Some details I carved out:
- If ED happens now and then, there’s often no need for concern. If it’s frequent, it may be a symptom of another health condition. In that case, treating the other condition may resolve ED.
- Pro: Cannabis reduces damage due to high cholesterol and increases sexual desire/arousal.
- Con: Some studies suggest its possible cannabis contributes to ED via the association with the penis' smooth muscle and may inhibit reaching orgasm. Cannabinoid receptors are present in the smooth muscle tissue of the penis. For this reason, it is theoretically possible for THC to impair penile function, and this may lead to ED. However, evidence is lacking.
Taking sildenafil (Viagra) with marijuana may not be a smart move either. A 2006 paper published in Clinical Cardiology showed that marijuana prevents Viagra from being properly metabolized. This increases Viagra’s effects, which might mean an increased risk of heart problems.
According to NIDA Trusted Source, marijuana can cause a feeling of euphoria, then drowsiness and a slower reaction time. This suggests getting high well before sex could actually reverse the initial sexual desire/arousal and make the user tired and less interested so maybe get high right before sex...how about during! I'm not kidding about "during". The person receiving oral sex could be vaping....
However, at least one study Trusted Source found no significant difference in risk for ED between a group that used cannabis and a control group.
2019 study - suggest that ED is twice as high in cannabis users compared to controls. Future longitudinal research is needed to confirm/refute this and explore if a dose–response relationship between cannabis and ED may be evident.
Considering that the causes of ED may be psychological, organic or most commonly a mix of both, different hypotheses can explain this outcome. One of the possible mechanisms is attributed to the endocannabinoid system through the binding of receptors in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus which regulates erectile function and sexual behavior of males (Argiolas et al., 2005).
This mechanism could also explain why cannabis can improve sexual function in some patients affected by conditions or symptoms such as depression, anxiety disorder and pain (Gobbi et al., 2019; Huang et al., 2016). Growing evidence, both in animal and human studies, reported a peripheral effect of cannabis on ED, specifically on corpus cavernosum where cannabinoid receptors are present (Gratzke et al., 2010; Melis et al., 2006). Future longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm/refute this and explore the potential differing effects based on the type, potency and frequency of cannabis used.
In conclusion, considering the high prevalence of ED and cannabis use and the potential harmful effects of cannabis use on male sexual and general health, it is necessary to increase and improve the knowledge on this topic in order to achieve a general consensus on the best clinical and public health strategies.
I read through 3 different documents/studies. Probably the most comprehensive document was: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6893937/
In all studies, the consumption of cannabis has been through smoking. Only one study assessed the duration of cannabis use in months (Aldemir et al., 2017). Unfortunately "smoking" reduces the validation of the sources from the link above for me. My health and my wife's health significantly improved when we stopped smoking and vaped.
Summary: The available studies are somewhat inconclusive relative to ED and requires more study. Cannabis use has been documented as a plus for sex due to its increasing sexual desire and arousal. Some studies show that when THC reaches the brain, it gives users the feeling of being “high.” This interferes with your body’s normal functions. It may also impact the normal function of the penis’s smooth muscle, resulting in ED. Pick your poison? As of 2018 - The medical community has not found conclusive evidence that using cannabis, or marijuana, leads to ED.
Some details I carved out:
- If ED happens now and then, there’s often no need for concern. If it’s frequent, it may be a symptom of another health condition. In that case, treating the other condition may resolve ED.
- Pro: Cannabis reduces damage due to high cholesterol and increases sexual desire/arousal.
- Con: Some studies suggest its possible cannabis contributes to ED via the association with the penis' smooth muscle and may inhibit reaching orgasm. Cannabinoid receptors are present in the smooth muscle tissue of the penis. For this reason, it is theoretically possible for THC to impair penile function, and this may lead to ED. However, evidence is lacking.
Taking sildenafil (Viagra) with marijuana may not be a smart move either. A 2006 paper published in Clinical Cardiology showed that marijuana prevents Viagra from being properly metabolized. This increases Viagra’s effects, which might mean an increased risk of heart problems.
According to NIDA Trusted Source, marijuana can cause a feeling of euphoria, then drowsiness and a slower reaction time. This suggests getting high well before sex could actually reverse the initial sexual desire/arousal and make the user tired and less interested so maybe get high right before sex...how about during! I'm not kidding about "during". The person receiving oral sex could be vaping....
However, at least one study Trusted Source found no significant difference in risk for ED between a group that used cannabis and a control group.
2019 study - suggest that ED is twice as high in cannabis users compared to controls. Future longitudinal research is needed to confirm/refute this and explore if a dose–response relationship between cannabis and ED may be evident.
Considering that the causes of ED may be psychological, organic or most commonly a mix of both, different hypotheses can explain this outcome. One of the possible mechanisms is attributed to the endocannabinoid system through the binding of receptors in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus which regulates erectile function and sexual behavior of males (Argiolas et al., 2005).
This mechanism could also explain why cannabis can improve sexual function in some patients affected by conditions or symptoms such as depression, anxiety disorder and pain (Gobbi et al., 2019; Huang et al., 2016). Growing evidence, both in animal and human studies, reported a peripheral effect of cannabis on ED, specifically on corpus cavernosum where cannabinoid receptors are present (Gratzke et al., 2010; Melis et al., 2006). Future longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm/refute this and explore the potential differing effects based on the type, potency and frequency of cannabis used.
In conclusion, considering the high prevalence of ED and cannabis use and the potential harmful effects of cannabis use on male sexual and general health, it is necessary to increase and improve the knowledge on this topic in order to achieve a general consensus on the best clinical and public health strategies.
His_Highness
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king
I may be off base since this topic can be a sensitive one and some folks may not want to comment because of that sensitivity BUT....
I've been frequenting FC since 2014. If cannabis was a significant cause of ED there would be way more people on FC talking about it and since they're not having sex there would be way more people on this site with nothing else to do
Seriously @ltv - everything I Googled left me with nothing concrete. Possibilities abound on both sides (Enhance vs. ED). Aside from FC I've got a bunch of people in my life who use cannabis every day and have for too many years to count. Its an important topic that I've not run into enough for correlation. I'm not saying cannabis doesn't contribute to ED in certain cases and ways but maybe its a bit player requiring serious overuse in conjunction with other causes.
In one of the articles there was mention that cannabis may be a contributing factor along with other factors and that it would be a good idea to have a medical expert look into the contributing factors before assuming its just cannabis since the contributing factors may point to a more serious issue. I think this is really good advice....
I've been frequenting FC since 2014. If cannabis was a significant cause of ED there would be way more people on FC talking about it and since they're not having sex there would be way more people on this site with nothing else to do
Seriously @ltv - everything I Googled left me with nothing concrete. Possibilities abound on both sides (Enhance vs. ED). Aside from FC I've got a bunch of people in my life who use cannabis every day and have for too many years to count. Its an important topic that I've not run into enough for correlation. I'm not saying cannabis doesn't contribute to ED in certain cases and ways but maybe its a bit player requiring serious overuse in conjunction with other causes.
In one of the articles there was mention that cannabis may be a contributing factor along with other factors and that it would be a good idea to have a medical expert look into the contributing factors before assuming its just cannabis since the contributing factors may point to a more serious issue. I think this is really good advice....
Thank you for your time, energy and helpful information!
Some people who are taking meds for depression do very well for a certain amount of time and then suddenly cannabis causes poor sleep and dysthymia.
Perhaps this impacts ED plus being married for several decades doesn’t help either.
For now I will take a cannabis break.
Thank you again.
Some people who are taking meds for depression do very well for a certain amount of time and then suddenly cannabis causes poor sleep and dysthymia.
Perhaps this impacts ED plus being married for several decades doesn’t help either.
For now I will take a cannabis break.
Thank you again.
His_Highness
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king
You're welcome! Let me know how it works out. Based on discussions with my older brothers I'd say normal aging for the physical side, boredom for the psychological aide and a cannabis kicker. Since I tend to get whatever illness my older brother gets (Arthritis at the same age he got it and BPH started at the same age as well) my attention is undivided since they are already complaining about ED.
I like alcohol and had stopped being able to get it up when I've been drinking even in moderation. When I brought this up to my primary care guy he prescribed Stendra because it can be used with alcohol. I definitely got lucky when I found my primary care doctor. Stendra worked for a couple years and doesn't work when I've been drinking anymore. Man, that was fun for awhile. When I told my primary care the Stendra wasn't working anymore with alcohol he said "These pills don't give you a sex drive. They just make it possible to perform if your mind is right". Well, my mind would like a woody and a shot.
From the boredom perspective....I've used this quote for other topics comically but it may also apply here "It may seem inconceivable but somewhere out there is someone tired of fucking Bella Hadid".
EverythingsHazy
Well-Known Member
It's not out of the realm of possibility, but ED definitely doesn't seem to be a common side effect (unlike with alcohol consumption), from what I've read..
This may actually be the first time I've seen someone bring it up, in over 9 years of forum surfing. If not, I can't remember the last. Most of the comments I see about Cannabis in relation to sex, are from people who say that it makes sex more enjoyable.
That said, due to the fact that sex has a large psychological component, there's always the possibility that, even if Cannabis doesn't physically prevent sexual function, it may put you in a mindset that does pretty much the same thing. Anxiety/paranoia are unlikely to be helpful in that context.
Luckily, it should be pretty easy to figure out if Cannabis is the culprit, by going on a temporary cannabreak and doing some "research".
This may actually be the first time I've seen someone bring it up, in over 9 years of forum surfing. If not, I can't remember the last. Most of the comments I see about Cannabis in relation to sex, are from people who say that it makes sex more enjoyable.
That said, due to the fact that sex has a large psychological component, there's always the possibility that, even if Cannabis doesn't physically prevent sexual function, it may put you in a mindset that does pretty much the same thing. Anxiety/paranoia are unlikely to be helpful in that context.
Luckily, it should be pretty easy to figure out if Cannabis is the culprit, by going on a temporary cannabreak and doing some "research".
hd_rider
Well-Known Member
I'm a two-time prostate cancer survivor, first having my prostate removed in 2011 and then undergoing seven weeks of radiation therapy after a recurrence in 2016. So needless to say, my innards are pretty fucked up with plenty of scar tissue having gone under the knife as well as microwaving. Of course, I no longer ejaculate, but I am still able to have sex and have orgasms. I had a good surgeon and a good radiation oncologist and damage was kept to a minimum.
When it comes to cannabis, I find it helps with my erections and makes the experience more enjoyable.
When it comes to cannabis, I find it helps with my erections and makes the experience more enjoyable.
@hd_rider Sorry to hear about your prostate.
Most of mine was removed by lazer due to bph.
Also have no ejaculate.
Cannabis always made sex much greater. I think due to vaping every night for someone who takes meds for depression caused a lack of energy. Whenever I vape for extended periods of time I become dysthymic. After a canna break I’m good to go.
Most of mine was removed by lazer due to bph.
Also have no ejaculate.
Cannabis always made sex much greater. I think due to vaping every night for someone who takes meds for depression caused a lack of energy. Whenever I vape for extended periods of time I become dysthymic. After a canna break I’m good to go.
His_Highness
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king
Does not ejaculating affect the strength of the orgasm? Is it similar/ the same as getting a vasectomy?
EverythingsHazy
Well-Known Member
I don't know much about it, but be careful with the "Delta-8" or "Delta-10" bud that's really just hemp sprayed with some concentrate. I'm personally going to avoid the stuf that they sell in delis. Lol
Btw, something that may cause sexual dysfunction, which I haven't seen mentioned in this thread, is porn consumption. If you think about it in terms of building a tolerance to sexual stimuli, it's easy to see how it can be problematic. When you watch porn, you're pretty much desensitizing yourself to natural sexual stimuli, by exposing yourself to an unnatural variety of increasingly stimulating, virtual ones. You can also unintentionally link your sexual arousal, physically, in your brain, to things that you don't actually encounter in real life, which can make sexual function difficult under more realistic circumstances. Taking a break from that is probably a good idea, too.