Can CBD Help With Your Libido?

4 Ways CBD Can Help With Your Libido & Improve Your Sex Life

Cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant is taking the world by storm and is showing no signs of stopping.

Next to THC, it has been widely researched, though, CBD is considered non-psychoactive — meaning it won’t cause the high feeling normally associated with marijuana’s mind-altering effects. 

The cannabinoid has been known to target several ailments including; pain, anxiety, inflammation, and seizures with a number of scientific studies and personal testimonies touting its great therapeutic potential. 

While more research is still needed, there have been more far-reaching uses for CBD — one area that’s more recently being explored is how CBD may be able to help with libido. Among all the things that CBD can do, can it boost one’s libido? 

There is emerging evidence to suggest that CBD may help to improve one’s sex life, but what is it about the cannabinoid that can help in this particular intimate area? 

The following article will explain four ways that CBD may be able to help with your libido.

1. Relieves Stress and Anxiety

Among all the benefits of CBD, perhaps the most well known is its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety. 

In fact, the reduction of anxiety is one of the more common reasons why CBD is so highly sought-after, particularly among those who do not wish to experience any mind-altering effects that THC-laden marijuana induces.

The naturally-occurring endocannabinoids in the body interact with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system and have an anti-anxiety effect. 

Studies have shown that external cannabinoids – like CBD – may also have similar effects on anxiety when they interact with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system.

The anti-anxiety properties of CBD may help to explain why the cannabinoid may be able to help improve libido, as some people may allow stress and anxiety to hinder their sexual performance. 

Being overly concerned about performance in the bedroom can negatively impact a person’s libido and hamper the levels of pleasure experienced.

Research suggests that anxiety is a major factor in sexual dysfunction. In some people, just the thought of rejection during intimacy or fears of not performing well can cause panic attacks. 

By reducing levels of anxiety and stress, CBD may inadvertently help to increase sexual appetite and allow people who consume it to be in the right mood and mindset when engaging in sexual intercourse. 

Not being anxious about the act can help them relax and be more apt to enjoy the experience, and CBD may have a hand in this particular area.

2. May Help Deal With Erectile Dysfunction

The act of sex is meant to be a pleasurable experience for both partners. But for many men, the inability to perform comes down to not being able to develop or sustain an erection. Not only does this situation compromises the experience, but it can also be extremely humiliating for men and cause great distress. 

Erectile dysfunction affects approximately 18.4% of American men aged 20 years and older, which suggests that about 18 million men in the US are affected. 

Fortunately, there are certain medications available to help alleviate this condition, including the more popular Viagra and Cialis. But these medications are not without their potential side effects, which can include headache, heartburn, nasal congestion, and flushing.

A potential natural supplement that may help to deal with erectile dysfunction is CBD. Studies suggest that cannabis’ CBD may help to increase blood flow and nerve sensation, which are needed to improve sexual pleasure and promote orgasms for each partner. 

More specifically, more blood flow to the penis is helpful for men to sustain an erection required for sexual intercourse to occur. 

The increased blood flow and nerve sensation in the body can also be helpful for women to help them reach orgasm. In fact, historic ayurvedic medicine has long utilized hemp-derived CBD, as a means to improve ejaculatory function in men. 

3. May Increase Energy and Alertness Needed to Perform 

Sexual intercourse requires a certain degree of energy to perform, and CBD may be able to contribute to this.

Some studies suggest that CBD may be an effective wake-promoting agent, which is not only helpful at keeping a person alert while performing but may also help to keep energy levels up. 

4. May Relieve Pain Associated With Sex

It’s estimated that approximately 7.5% of women between the ages of 16 to 74 years of age experience painful sex to some degree, which can certainly cause some distress in the bedroom and decrease libido.

This condition is medically referred to as dyspareunia and commonly treated by Osphena — a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drug known to treat dyspareunia in women who experience a lack of sufficient vaginal lubrication. 

Luckily, CBD may play a role in this situation by alleviating the pain associated with pain during sex. As mentioned, CBD’s interaction with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system can impact endocannabinoid receptor activity and interact with neurotransmitters, which can alleviate pain and in turn help improve a person’s libido. 

CBD’s role in reducing pain during sex can also come in the form of lubrication. There are lubrication products that are infused with cannabis’ CBD are now available to women who experience vaginal dryness – which can contribute to painful sex – to help avoid pain and improve their sexual experiences.

Modes of CBD Consumption

Those intrigued with CBD’s potential ability to help boost libido have a number of CBD products to choose from to include in their daily regimen, including the following:

CBD topicals – To increase lubrication – and thereby reduce pain during sex and make it more pleasurable – there are CBD topicals available that are specifically designed to be used for this purpose. These products are infused with CBD and can provide lubrication required for sexual intercourse.  

CBD edibles and beverages – These days, it’s relatively easy to find edible treats and drinks that are infused with CBD, such as mints, gummy bears, chocolates, but even more innovative are CBD-infused beverages such as water, beer, and wine.

CBD tinctures – An easy and effective way to consume CBD orally is to simply administer CBD oil sublingually under the tongue to be absorbed through the mucous membranes. This allows the cannabinoid to easily and effectively enter the bloodstream directly without ever passing through the digestive system.

CBD capsules – Another easy way to consume and dose CBD for preventing painful sex is through the use of capsules. These supplements are precisely dosed, making them an ideal product for those who are new to CBD consumption.

Final Thoughts

From alleviating pain and anxiety to potentially helping people give their libido a boost, CBD continues to strengthen its place in the world of health and wellness and is showing plenty of promise in the medical sphere. 

Yet while there are plenty of studies that may explain how and why CBD may be helpful in improving a person’s sex life, more research is needed to solidify these findings and all the anecdotal evidence that currently exists. 

Having said that, you may experiment with CBD, starting with low doses and increasing until you feel the desired effects.  However, we suggest first speaking to your health care professional beforehand.