3 Surprising Ways CBD Can Improve Your Sex Life

Human sexual response involves a coordinated three-ring circus of acts, from the nervous system to blood flow, hormone levels and the state of mind.

No wonder things go awry from time to time.

Luckily, medical science has come a long way in addressing many of the physical and mental issues that can lead to an unsatisfying sex life. One promising new area of study is how cannabidiol can improve sex for both men and women.

What is cannabidiol and how is it used?

Cannabidiol (commonly known as CBD) is a chemical found in cannabis that's been proven to help with a whole host of medical and psychological conditions. Notably, a 2017 peer-reviewed study pointed to CBD's role in reducing the frequency of seizures for people with epilepsy.

Millions also use CBD to combat anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, inflammation, Crohn's disease, Parkinson's and other conditions, although research is new in these areas.

You can find CBD in oils, candy, tinctures, lotions and more. When it comes to the bedroom, folks spice things up with CBD sexual aids such as massage lotions, personal lubricants, sprays, oral capsules, edibles and vaporizers.

The compound comes in just about any form you can think of, and with a little research, you can find the perfect method for you.

How can CBD positively affect your sex life?

CBD eases anxiety. While research points to physical causes behind bedroom issues such as erectile dysfunction, there are undeniable psychological aspects at play, too. Anxiety is a huge culprit behind performance-related issues and lack of sexual enjoyment for both men and women. The calming mental effects of CBD help them decrease their anxious thoughts and turn their minds to physical enjoyment.

While CBD lacks the psychoactive effects of marijuana, studies have shown it enhances the body's levels of anandamide, a neurotransmitter closely associated with oxytocin—aka the "cuddle hormone." Researchers also believe that anandamide enhances relaxation, reduces pain and helps regulate the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

CBD increases blood flow. The use of CBD in the form of oils or as a personal lubricant increases blood flow to and sensitivity in genitals, resulting in enhanced sexual pleasure.

CBD's connection to heightened blood flow and sensitivity comes as no surprise to scientists who have studied the human endocannabinoid system since the early 1990s. They've found we have a high density of receptors in the sexual organs. But don't just take the scientists' word for it: Many CBD users report feelings of heightened sensitivity and warmth during sex after they've used CBD.

CBD eases chronic pain and more. Only people who have experienced chronic pain understand how a chronic condition can derail sexual pleasure. People suffering from endometriosis, chronic joint conditions, muscle spasms, severe cramping and inflammation have reported that CBD eased pain enough for more enjoyable sex.

While there isn't a lot of peer-reviewed work about using CBD to combat chronic pain and how that relates to sex, you can find plenty of anecdotal evidence from happy CBD fans. When people apply CBD oil to their genitals before sex and enjoy the enhanced sensitivity mentioned, they say they also find the new sensations a pleasant counterpoint to chronic pain.

CBD Conclusions

While the body of scientific studies relating CBD as a sexual aid is small, the research we do have shows promise.

Although CBD isn't psychoactive like marijuana, use caution when you first give it a go. Consult with a medical professional if you have any preexisting conditions or are on any medication.

If you're struggling with your sex life, you just might find that joining the millions of people who work CBD into their bedroom play is just what the doctor ordered.