CBD Oil and Sex Life: Everything You Need to Know About CBD for Intimacy

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CBD oil may enhance your sex life by boosting arousal through the endocannabinoid system, reducing pain and inflammation, and easing performance anxiety. While CBD won't instantly turn you on, regular use can help create the relaxed, joyful state where better intimacy happens.

CBD and sex may be a relatively new conversation the world is having, but cannabis and sex certainly isn't. Looking back – and I mean way back to the Mesopotamia period (that's the oldest known civilisation) – there's evidence that reveals this incredible plant, from which CBD is derived, is one of the most popular substances used to both enhance the experience of sex, and treat sex-related and gynaecological issues.

More recently studies exploring the use of cannabis before sex have reported that 58.9% of participants who have tried this experienced increased desire for sex, 73.8% reported increased sexual satisfaction, 74.3% reported an increased sensitivity to touch, and 65.7% reported an increased intensity of orgasms.

Historically, people were most likely to smoke whole plant cannabis (THC included) or drink it as a tea for these purposes, and much of the benefit is likely have been down to the high that THC produces (but CBD doesn't). However, we now have research into all the ways CBD, specifically, can help in the bedroom too. As a result, a whole host of CBD lubricants and products designed to utilise CBD for intimacy have been developed.

But why is CBD and sex such a great pairing, even without the THC? Read on to find out.

Does CBD Oil Boost Arousal and Sex Drive?

If you take a dose of CBD, are you instantly going to be turned on? No, of course not. But can CBD oil help get you in the mood for intimacy? It sure can.

The endocannabinoid system (the physiological system which CBD interacts with) plays a pretty major role in pleasure, and anything that boosts your natural production of endocannabinoids (which CBD does) is likely to help you relax, increase desire, arousal, and potentially even orgasm intensity.

How CBD Works: The Sexual Benefits of Cannabidiol

The endocannabinoid system works with endocannabinoids – special neurotransmitters that are released on demand to help keep the body in balance. One of these endocannabinoids is called Anandamide, named after the Sanskrit word for bliss.

The other has a less sexy name – 2AG, but a very sexy action in the body – it's released in abundance during sex, particularly when you orgasm. As well as basically being a major part of arousal and orgasm, endocannabinoids have also been proven to help reduce pain and inflammation, help control spasms, can be neuroprotective, have anti-depressant and anxiolytic effects, and reduce the strength of the pain signals being sent. 

Taking CBD to Increase Blood Flow and Arousal

When you take CBD oil, the enzyme that breaks down both of these endocannabinoids is inhibited, which means their levels ramp up and are given more time to flow freely round the body. The result is a mind and body that is generally happier and calmer, and a higher base level of endocannabinoids to begin with, even before you increase them all the more with the act of sex.

It won't (and shouldn't!) replace your love language as foreplay, but it might help you switch gears more easily and get into that relaxed, joyful space where the best sex happens, especially if you take CBD regularly. CBD may help improve sexual function and enhance sexual pleasure for some people. 

How CBD Lube and Arousal Oil Reduce Pain During Sex

There are many reasons for pain during sex, and 3 out of 4 women will experience this at some point in their lives. Around 5% of men will too. This rate is particularly high for women going through the menopause due to the huge hormonal changes taking place in the body.

If you're experiencing pain during sex, your first port of call should be speaking to a doctor, as this can sometimes be a symptom of something more serious that needs to be addressed. But if that's been ruled out, CBD can be helpful in some cases. 

Benefits of Using CBD Lube in the Bedroom

A pretty obvious cause of pain during sex is vaginal dryness, and if this is something that impact you CBD lubricant can change everything. Not only will this help ease discomfort in the same way than any high-quality lube might, but you'll also get the benefits of applying CBD topically.

Some research has shown that topically applied CBD increases blood flow and results in vasodilation (the dilation of blood vessels), which boosts blood to flow to the targeted area and is therefore is likely to increase sensitivity – in a good way.

Foria Intimacy Sex Oil and Other CBD Arousal Oils

Taking CBD oil orally can also help, by relaxing the mind and body, therefore loosening contracted muscles in the vagina or pelvis that might cause discomfort. The highest concentration of endocannabinoid receptors in the human body is found in the uterus.

Because of this, the endocannabinoid system (and our maintenance of it, through the use of cannabinoids like CBD) is thought to play a vital role in sex and reproduction, and regulation of pleasure and pain, inflammation, muscle contraction and hormone secretion in this area. Products like Foria Intimacy Sex Oil and Foria Awaken Arousal Oil with CBD have been specifically formulated to target these receptors. For those who prefer oral CBD, Unspun offer a great broad-spectrum CBD oil

CBD for Erectile Dysfunction and Performance Anxiety

CBD for anxiety is the most common reason cited for using this wellness supplement, and the reason so many people find it effective for calming nerves applies to sex as much as it does to public speaking. Research suggests CBD could help with sexual performance issues related to stress. Joe has also written more about CBD oil for anxiety if your interested in the topic

How CBD Affects Erectile Dysfunction

Again, the way CBD can help with this largely comes down to the endocannabinoid system – this time mostly the receptors in the brain. Our endocannabinoids effectively act a bit like a gatekeeper for stress – when present in decent levels, they help send signals to down-regulate the nervous system when fight or flight kicks in.

When levels are low, the fight or flight response can cascade at times when it's unhelpful – like in the bedroom, or when a phone rings. For those experiencing erectile dysfunction related to anxiety, CBD's calming effects may provide support. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce anxiety that affects sexual function.

Using CBD in the Bedroom to Reduce Anxiety

By taking CBD on a regular basis, you're supporting your body in keeping endocannabinoid levels elevated, which means you're likely to be able to handle stress and anxiety better, or experience it less overall. The use of CBD for sexual wellness is becoming more common as people discover these benefits.

As an added bonus, CBD also activates serotonin receptors, releasing that molecule too – another neurotransmitter that keeps anxiety in check. This can be particularly helpful for those using CBD in the bedroom to manage performance-related concerns. CBD has been shown to help with performance anxiety in various contexts. Many people also find CBD helps with sleep, which can indirectly improve overall wellbeing and intimacy.

The Best CBD Products for Your Sex Life

Sex is one of the most complex topics out there, and there are a multitude of ways in which we can experience it and feel about it. Realistically CBD isn't going change any of that, nothing that comes in a bottle, pill, lotion or potion will.

But it is without a doubt a helpful supplement in the bedroom and beyond. Whether you choose CBD arousal oil, intimacy CBD melts, or the best CBD oil for your needs, the potential benefits for intimacy and sex are worth exploring. When choosing the best CBD products, make sure to look for quality, third-party testing, and clear dosing information. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound from the cannabis plant that doesn't cause a high. It interacts with your body's endocannabinoid system to help maintain balance, potentially reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation.

Will CBD make me feel high during sex?

No, CBD doesn't produce psychoactive effects. UK CBD products are THC-free or contain negligible amounts, so you won't experience the high associated with cannabis.

Can CBD help with erectile dysfunction?

CBD may help with erectile dysfunction related to performance anxiety by reducing stress and helping regulate your nervous system's fight-or-flight response.

Does CBD increase arousal immediately?

No, CBD won't instantly increase arousal. However, regular use can help create a relaxed, balanced state where intimacy happens more naturally by supporting your endocannabinoid system.

How does CBD work in the body?

CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood, pain, and pleasure. It inhibits the breakdown of natural endocannabinoids like anandamide (the "bliss molecule"), helping maintain higher levels in your body.

References

1. Kaplan, B.L.F. (2019). How Cannabis Alters Sexual Experience: A Survey of Men and Women. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 16(11), 1758-1762.
2. O'Sullivan, S.E., et al. (2015). Cannabidiol causes endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of human mesenteric arteries via CB1 activation. Cardiovascular Research, 107(4), 568-578.

 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you're experiencing pain during sex, erectile dysfunction, or are taking other medications.