The Impact of MDMA on Your Penis

MDMA, also known as ecstasy, E, X or molly—or as it is better known in the medical world, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine—is often associated with great sex. It has even earned street nicknames such as "the love pill" and "lover's speed."

However, the drug can put you at risk for serious complications, too. Read about how it impacts you, and why you might want to avoid it.

Molly, MDMA, ecstasy

A synthetic drug made in a lab, MDMA acts as a stimulant and a hallucinogen that alters mood and perception. It causes feelings of euphoria and increased energy, and distorts perception.

On average, the effects last about three hours and include increased self-awareness, an enhanced sense of well-being and emotional warmth, and that lovey-dovey feeling that makes you want to hug everyone around you. As you may have guessed, it's this entactogen effect that inspired the association with great sex.

According to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.8 percent of Americans have tried MDMA at least once in their life. It's most commonly used by young people, particularly at festivals and nightclubs. Street versions are often laced with methamphetamine, anesthetic ketamine (a drug used in anesthesia), caffeine, ephedrine, dextromethorphan, and even PCP, cocaine and heroin. That's some scary stuff. And illegal.

Effects on the body

Days to months later, a user can experience mental health issues, including depression, memory loss, aggression, disorganized thoughts, panic attacks and depersonalization (detachment from oneself). Physical health risks can manifest, too, including high blood pressure, nausea, chills, headache, sweating, dehydration (and dangerous compensatory overhydration), loss of consciousness and seizure. MDMA can also cause hyperthermia, which, if severe enough, may be fatal.

Altered perception while under the influence increases a user's risk of causing motor vehicle-related and other accidents. Combining MDMA with other drugs also increases the risks of adverse effects.

Long-term use can cause sleep disturbances, impulsivity, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and decreased cognitive function.

Ecstasy, indeed?

Impact on sexual performance

Despite the negative effects, MDMA is called the love drug for a reason. A 2001 study found it increased desire and satisfaction by an astounding 90 percent. Reportedly, orgasms—while they were often delayed—were more intense.

But here's the rub: 40 percent of males reported problems with erectile dysfunction (ED). You might be “feelin' groovy,” but it's difficult to get down to sexual business if you can't get everything working properly.

While ED is common enough without a drug-induced component—the number of cases for men with mild to moderate problems increase 10 percentage points for every decade of life (e.g., 30 percent of men in their 30s, 40 percent of men in their 40s and so on)—research indicates ecstasy is right up there with alcohol for substances that can quickly make a night that was looking up start looking down.

If erectile dysfunction occurs, don't panic. Tell your partner what's going on and be honest. They should be understanding and, hopefully, you can have a nice time together anyway. You may also find that drugs aren't the best way to get close.

Alternatives & coping with pressure

Choosing to experiment with drugs is an individual choice. But if you're taking them because you are being pressured by your peers and feel the need to fit in, it may be time to reconsider who your friends are.

You really don't need drugs to have a great time or impress anyone. Your safety and well-being are much more important. And not to get too preachy, but you do know it's illegal, yes? Just sayin'.

Giddy Notice: The use of MDMA for recreational purposes is illegal in the United States as described in the Controlled Substances Act, as enforced by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Our medical experts tell us that the recreational use of these drugs is not only illegal but also extremely detrimental to your mind and body.