Does CBD Help with Sex Drive?

CBD and libido have become a topic of so much debate. While some researchers claim CBD promotes arousal, others say it decreases it. This blog will help you choose your side. Below, you will learn the ins and outs of CBD, including what it is, how it helps with sex drive, products to try for better sex, and how to integrate them into your sexual routine.

 Low libido negatively affects several couples worldwide, affecting both men and women. Unfortunately, not many people are concerned with low libido complications. If you didn't know, ignoring low libido can cause tremendous damage to your relationship. You might wonder, "what can I do to improve my sexual performance and overall sexual satisfaction?" Over the years, relationship experts have suggested lifestyle and home remedies, including regular physical activity, eating well-balanced meals, opening up and sharing with your partner, giving up smoking, and moderating your alcohol consumption. In all honesty, these approaches have improved libido and restored some relationships. If you are not comfortable with any of the aforementioned ways of boosting libido, there is one new approach worth your attention-CBD for sex. CBD has long been used to address stress, anxiety, and muscle tension. Researchers now claim it can work magic on your sex life.

What Is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in marijuana and hemp. Available in the form of oils, topicals, edibles, and tinctures, CBD is believed to enhance a sense of well-being. Its cousin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is also said to possess pain-relieving, muscle-relieving, and muscle-relaxing effects. Most of all, it makes people feel "high." Hemp-derived CBD contains undetected levels of THC (0.3%), making it legal in most states across the USA.

Understanding How CBD Works

Your body is home to the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS encompasses receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids that allow your brain and body to communicate properly. Additionally, endocannabinoids regulate energy, blood pressure, learning, appetite, and memory. Even mild stress can make your ECS take a hit, resulting in lower energy levels, high blood pressure, brain fog, chronic pain, and abnormal appetite. Therefore, CBD activates the endocannabinoid receptors, providing positive results.

Benefits of CBD for Sex

Hormonal Balance

Women experience hormonal shifts throughout their lives. Hormonal shifts are tied to several issues, including low sex drive, vaginal dryness, and vaginal thinning. CBD promotes healthy levels of estrogen, estradiol, progesterone (in women), and testosterone (in men) which can effectively boost libido.

Promotes Blood Flow

According to Price (2022),CBD increases blood flow to various body parts, including the penis and vagina. This is good news for men, especially those with erection problems. Adequate blood flow to the penis encourages firm and longer-lasting erections. For women, proper blood flow translates to a super sensitive clitoris, making sex more fun, exciting, and pleasurable.

Relieves Stress and Anxiety

Undoubtedly, stress and anxiety can negatively affect your sexual performance. They are a natural part of human life, although they mainly stem from heavy workloads, unsettled bills, and hectic children's schedules. Sholler et al. (2020) suggested that CBD reduces cortisol hormone levels, keeping stress and anxiety in check.

Sets the Mood

Researchers believe CBD can get you into the mood to have sex with your intimate partner. When this cannabinoid enters your system, it makes you feel warm. However, this does not mean you should skip foreplay. The combination of CBD and foreplay can elevate your sex life.

Helps in lubrication

CBD can be the hope for relief if you are struggling with natural lubrication. Researchers believe it can help lubricate your vagina, keeping issues like dyspareunia at bay. As a rule of thumb, have a bottle of safe personal lubricant at your bedside. This ensures you experience quality sex every time.

Prevents Gender Dysphoria

Gender dysphoria is a common condition among transgender folks. Furthermore, it causes anxiety and depressive symptoms that can lower libido. According to Lim et al. (2017), CBD is believed to reduce these symptoms, promoting a smoother transition.

Promotes Healthy Levels of Anandamide

Anandamide is a curdle hormone. It helps you and your boo connect at the emotional levels after acts of physical intimacy, including kissing or hugging. Studies show it makes you feel deeply connected after sex. According to Cooray et al. (2020), CBD strengthens the function of anandamide, which helps in relieving anxiety and improving mood.

What CBD Products Should You Try for Better Sex?

CBD Lube

CBD lube is among the most popular sexual health products on the market. The good news is that it is ideal for men and women. If you are a woman;

• Gently apply the lube to your clitoris and labia using your hands.
• Apply a generous amount of the lube to the penis or sex toy before shoving it into your vagina.

If you are a man;

• Apply lube on your love tool using your hands.
• Wear a condom before penetrating your partner.

If your partner likes anal stimulation;

• Apply lube around your anus.
• Pour lube on your sex toys or penis and penetrate your partner anally.

CBD Oil

CBD oil does not need an introduction, especially if you are a cannabis connoisseur. For the benefit of newbies, CBD oil is made with CBD extract and a carrier oil (think: coconut oil or hemp seed oil). People take CBD oil in two ways; sublingual administration and topical application. The former involves placing a few drops of CBD under your tongue, while the latter adds CBD oil to your standard creams and lotions and then applies them on your skin. Researchers believe CBD oil reduces stress and promotes steady blood flow, improving your sexual performance.

How to Integrate CBD into Your Sexual Routine

Buy Your Favorite CBD Product

There are tons of CBD products in various local and online stores. To get something that will meet your needs, ensure you shop in an e-store with positive reviews and provides third-party lab results for their products. It is also worth noting that there is hemp-derived CBD and marijuana-derived CBD. The former has undetected THC levels, while the latter has a higher concentration of THC. If you don't want to get high in the bedroom, steer clear of marijuana-derived THC.

Know the Amount That Works for You Best

Frankly, there is no right dosage for CBD. For this reason, you might want to start small and gradually increase your dosage until you find what works best for you.

Use CBD 30 or 60 minutes before Your Date

It is worth noting the effects of CBD do not kick in immediately after it is absorbed into your system. You may want to use your favorite CBD product 30 or 60 minutes before your date for greater results.

The Bottom Line

The jury is still out on whether CBD can boost libido. However, the existing body of research shows this cannabinoid can work magic on your sex life. If you are interested in integrating CBD into your sexual routine, CBD lubes, CBD oil, and Gummies can be a great starting point. Because research on CBD for sex is limited, do not get the lifestyle and home remedies off the table. It can be better if you combine both approaches. While purchasing CBD products for libido, ensure you read the customer reviews and confirm whether the product has undergone intensive independent third-party testing.

References

Cooray, R., Gupta, V., & Suphioglu, C. (2020). Current aspects of the endocannabinoid system and targeted THC and CBD phytocannabinoids as potential therapeutics for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases: a review. Molecular Neurobiology, 57(11), 4878-4890.

Lim, K., See, Y. M., & Lee, J. (2017). A systematic review of the effectiveness of medical cannabis for psychiatric, movement, and neurodegenerative disorders. Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience, 15(4), 301.

Price, S. L. Best CBD Oil for Diabetes in 2022.

Sholler, D. J., Schoene, L., & Spindle, T. R. (2020). Therapeutic efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD): a review of the evidence from clinical trials and human laboratory studies. Current addiction reports, 7(3), 405-412.