Cannabidiol (CBD) is the hot product in the health world. You’ll find it in everything from gummies and drinks to suppositories. It’s even made its way into grooming products. Big companies have been quick to cash in on the trend.
The downside is that there’s a lot of misinformation out there. That’s one of the reasons that we started Learning CBD Oil in the first place. We want to set the record straight. CBD oil has a wide range of benefits, but it’s not the cure-all it’s being made out to be.
Erectile dysfunction is something that most men prefer not to talk about. They find it embarrassing, a sign that they’re not quite as manly as they should be. If that’s the way you feel, think again.
Researchers at the University of Washington estimate that 30 million American men have this condition. Sexual desire is a lot more complicated than seeing someone attractive.
In this post, we’ll look at how to use CBD oil for erectile dysfunction. Could it be a viable treatment? Let’s see what science has to say.
Product Recommendations for Sexual Enhancement: If you are in a rush and would just like to check out some products, here are our recommendations.
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
Thankfully, perhaps, you’ll be left in no doubt about your condition. You’ll know you have erectile dysfunction if:
- Your libido is flagging
- You’re unable to get an erection
- You can’t maintain an erection
Every man, at some point in his life, will have trouble getting into the swing of things. That’s normal and usually passes quickly. If it’s an ongoing problem over the course of three to six months, it’s time to consider treatment.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the causes can be physical or mental. Possible causes include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Metabolic syndrome
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Side effects of prescription or over the counter medication
- Smoking
- Substance abuse
- Alcoholism
- Treatments for an enlarged prostate or cancer of the prostate
- Sleep disorders
- Injuries
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression
- Unhappy relationships
Were you surprised that low testosterone levels didn’t feature on the list? So were we. As it turns out, though, disorders related to the endocrine system are the least likely cause of erectile dysfunction.
The endocrine system manages testosterone production. That means that testosterone production is likely to be the least of your concerns here.
Risk Factors
You’ve got a higher risk of developing the condition if:
- You have a chronic medical ailment like cardiovascular disease or diabetes
- You’re a smoker – smoking interferes with blood flow
- You’re overweight
- You’ve abused drugs or alcohol over a long period
- There’s been damage to your arteries or nerves
- You’ve had to undergo radiation therapy
- You regularly take certain medications like antihistamines or pain killers
- Your life is very stressful, or you’re depressed
What You Can Do to Prevent This Condition
Okay, so now we understand a little more about the condition itself. As you can see, there is a range of causes. So many, in fact, that it’s a good idea to see your doctor to rule out illness. If you have a chronic illness, your doctor can discuss treatment plans with you.
Once you’ve done that, try these tips:
- Stop drinking, smoking, or abusing drugs
- Work on managing stress levels
- Get half an hour of exercise a day, five times a week
- Follow a healthy diet
- Get an annual physical
- Consider counseling to deal with mental issues
Why Are Some People Turning to CBD for ED?
Viagra is probably the most common treatment for erectile dysfunction. It’s an effective drug that increases the blood flow to the penis. However, it can also impart some adverse side effects, such as:
- Nasal congestion
- Skin redness
- Headache
- Stomach cramps
- Vision changes
- Back pain
Penis pumps and penile implants are also an option, but many find these too expensive or invasive.
These conventional solutions can’t treat mental or emotional issues that can play a factor in erectile dysfunction. That leaves those with ED caused by depression, performance anxiety, and stress looking for other potential solutions—and CBD may be that solution.
Several studies suggest that CBD can treat erectile dysfunction by tackling both mental and physical conditions. This non-psychoactive extract can help individuals with depression and anxiety disorders while providing a boost to their cardiovascular health.
The studies determining the effects of CBD on sexual performance are far from conclusive. However, there are very few options when it comes to treating the psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.
How to Choose the Best CBD for Erectile Dysfunction?
CBD oil commonly comes in three forms that contain different nutritional profiles, but which one will work best for your condition? Here’s a breakdown of what each one provides:
Full-Spectrum
Full-spectrum oils are the least processed option and contain all the natural compounds extracted from the cannabis plant. The cannabinoids in this oil interact to enhance the overall effects of the CBD. Many choose this option over the other two because it usually imparts more potent benefits.
With that said, full-spectrum oils have trace quantities of THC, the compound responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. While the amount found in these products isn’t enough to cause a high, people who need to pass a drug test might want to avoid full-spectrum products.
Broad Spectrum
Broad-spectrum oils are mostly the same as full-spectrum oils but without the THC. It offers the same benefits but without the risk of a positive drug test. Some users do believe that the small quantities of THC in full-spectrum CBD enhance the anxiety-reducing effects of the oil, but as of yet, there’s no research to support this suggestion.
Isolate
Isolate products don’t contain any other substance from the cannabis plant apart from CBD. Since cannabinoids are found to enhance each other’s effects, isolates often impart fewer benefits. However, many still prefer this option because it’s usually more affordable and has a subtler flavor.
Every individual has a unique reaction to different types of cannabinoids. The easiest way to find the best type for your needs is to try each one. Many brands sell sample sizes and smaller portions for this reason.
How to use CBD Oil for Erectile Dysfunction
Can CBD have an effect on your sexual health? CBD acts on the endocannabinoid receptors. These are present in your testicles. So, in short, yes, CBD does impact your sexual health. Why might it help with erectile dysfunction? Let’s examine that:
- We’ve already established that low testosterone is an unlikely suspect. The same doesn’t hold true for other hormones like insulin. That’s where the endocannabinoid system comes into it. This system helps to balance hormone levels in the body.
- One of the primary benefits of CBD is that it’s great for taking the edge off. If you’re anxious and stressed out, the oil might work well for you.
- CBD is a vasodilator. In theory, rubbing CBD cream onto your penis might help because it improves blood flow.
- CBD oil could have an impact on your appetite. Some people find that it reduces their appetite. If this is the case for you, it could help you lose weight, and so improve your condition.
Cannabinoids and Your Hormones
Scientists have discovered that our endocannabinoid system is capable of bringing the endocrine system into balance. This could have a significant impact on your health overall. By balancing hormones like insulin, CBD might prevent insulin resistance from developing.
Taking CBD orally will work well here.
Anxiety Reduction Could Help
If chronic stress is at the root of your problem, CBD’s anxiolytic properties could help. At present, there’s a lot of discord about what the oil can actually do. One thing users do agree upon, though, is that it has a calming effect on most people.
Please note, we said, “most.” Some people find that CBD increases anxiety. We recommend trying a small dose orally first to see.
Another option would be to rub in CBD cream into tense muscles. This doesn’t have as much of an effect on the whole body but is excellent for spot relief.
Vasodilatory Effects
Yes, CBD does help to dilate vessels. This causes increased blood flow. The effect will be felt if you’re taking the drops orally, but a topical application is probably more useful here.
We’re willing to try this out. It makes sense. Whether or not the increased blood flow will have the desired effect remains to be seen. You’ll also have to work out what the underlying problem was, or you’ll have to use the cream every time you have sex.
Appetite-Suppressant Effects
We’re going to start this off with a big warning. In some people, CBD oil can cause the munchies, similar to what you experience if you smoke weed. One of the members of our team found this out the hard way. He describes the feeling of never being able to get enough food.
If you find that you have this problem, make sure that all snack food is cleared out of the house. Otherwise, you’ll eat it. Plain salted popcorn, without butter, makes a practical alternative that won’t make you pack on the pounds.
In this study, however, CBD resulted in significant weight loss. Anecdotal evidence seems split on the subject. Some users find that CBD reduces their appetite; others find the opposite.
We don’t recommend using CBD alone as a weight loss aid unless you’re sure that it will suppress your appetite.
Potential Concerns
CBD is a natural product derived from a natural source. So is orange juice. Would you ever drink three gallons of orange juice for breakfast? Of course not – that would make you ill. The World Health Organization has said that CBD’s safety profile is good.
Initial research does seem to back this up. Even using CBD in high quantities produces few side effects. That said, though, there’s little research on the impact of long-term use.
What we’ve been seeing is CBD products flying off the shelves. Our concern, shared by the FDA, is that people see this compound as perfectly safe.
The FDA, however, cautions that drug trials for seizure medication pointed to possible liver damage. The drug was approved because the benefits outweighed the harm. It does, however, put paid to the idea that there are no dangers here.
Another issue that the FDA raised is the possibility of drug interactions and the potential for overdosing. The problem at the moment is that this is an unregulated industry. These products are considered herbal supplements and so not subjected to rigorous testing.
We’re not trying to scare you off using CBD oil. What we want to do is to convince you to use it responsibly.
Be sure that you know what the dosage of each drop of product is. Stick to the minimum doses to start off with. If that doesn’t help, then increase your dosage. Also, take note of the different products that you use. Work out what your overall dose per day is and keep it controlled.
Finally, choose high-quality products from reputable suppliers. As anyone who has tried these products will tell you, not all brands are the same. Some are far more effective than others. It’s worth looking for those good brands.
There are plenty of people out there trying to cash in. Some are well-intentioned but don’t have the know-how to extract the correct compounds. Others are out to make a fast buck. Your oil might not even contain the compounds that you need.
CBD Buying Tips
Even CBC oils of the same type can vary widely from each other when it comes to effectiveness. Here are some tips that can help you ensure the quality and safety of a CBD product:
- Always check your federal and state laws before purchasing and consuming CBD products.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises CBD oil buyers to purchase products that use the supercritical-CO2 extraction This process is considered the safest and most effective way to extract cannabinoids.
- Read online reviews to see the personal experience of customers who’ve purchased the product.
- Look for brands that sell third-party tested oils. Some manufacturers provide results from outside testers that can confirm the ingredient amounts found in their product as accurate. This step is an easy way to avoid products that only claim to have a certain percentage of CBD isolate.
The Best CBD Forms for Erectile Dysfunction
While CBD tinctures and oils are the most commonly used CBD products to treat ED, there are other options:
- Oral CBD Variants – Those who don’t like CBD’s taste can purchase flavored oils, capsules, and even gummies to make ingestion easier.
- CBD Products for Vaping – If you’re already a regular vape-user, this is not a bad option. Always check the ingredients because anything else aside from CBD, terpenes, cannabinoids, VG, and PG, might be unsafe for use.
- CBD Massage Oils – In some cases, using topical CBD can be more effective than oral products. Massage oils can help set the mood while imparting a relaxing effect.
- CBD Lube – Believe it or not, you can now get lube infused with CBD. This product might provide the potential benefits that you’re looking for.
What is a CBD lube?
Lubricant on its own can aid sexual activity by preventing dryness and increasing pleasure for both parties involved. Given the known benefits of CBD, many companies have created lubricants containing it for added effectiveness.
According to a 2010 study that tested the effects of topical CBD, CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that might be beneficial during sex. With that said, no present reviews directly correlate topical CBD with sexual enhancement.
Before purchasing any lube, always check for its ingredients to ensure that it doesn’t contain anything that might cause an allergic reaction. Some lubes also use alcohols that tend to cause irritation and dryness when used regularly, as well as glycerin and sugars that might create a potential breeding ground for infections.
What’s the Verdict?
CBD might be beneficial in enhancing one’s libido. In the past, Ayurveda practitioners used the dried leaves of the cannabis plant to improve their sexual performance and ejaculatory function. More recently, a 2017 study found that using cannabis enhances the brain’s response to visual sexual stimuli.
With that said, further research is needed because some studies say otherwise. The results of one experiment suggest that marijuana intake (this includes every cannabinoid, not just CBD) can potentially lower your sex drive and inhibit erectile function. However, this only accounts for people who use marijuana regularly.
Overall, the use of CBD seems to promote a calming effect for both men and women. The current science suggests that occasional use of cannabinoids can help boost sex drive.
FAQs on CBD for Erectile Dysfunction
Question: Can CBD help in treating erectile dysfunction?
Answer: CBD acts on the endocannabinoid receptors. These are present in your testicles. So, in short, yes, CBD does impact your sexual health.
Question: What are the common symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
Answer: Some of the common symptoms are that your libido is flagging, you can’t maintain an erection, and unable to get an erection.
Question: What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?
Answer: Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome are just some of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction.
Question: Does smoking contribute to erectile dysfunction?
Answer: Yes, smoking interferes with blood flow. You are also prone to erectile dysfunction if you are overweight, alcoholic, taking drugs, or have a stressful life.
Question: Can CBD oil help people who are overweight and have erectile dysfunction?
Answer: Probably. There is a higher risk to have erectile dysfunction if you are overweight. Studies show that CBD oil can reduce your appetite and in effect, you could lose weight.
Question: Does CBD oil have appetite-suppressant effects?
Answer: There is a mixed opinion based on the experience of a variety of people. Some people say it could and some say it can’t. One study shows that taking CBD oil leads to significant weight loss.
Question: Why are some people turning to CBD for erectile dysfunction?
Answer: Several studies suggest that CBD can treat erectile dysfunction by tackling both mental and physical conditions. This non-psychoactive extract can help individuals with depression and anxiety disorders while providing a boost to their cardiovascular health.
Question: How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Erectile Dysfunction?
Answer: CBD oil commonly comes in three forms namely full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and CBD isolate which contain different nutritional profiles. Every individual has a unique reaction to different types of cannabinoids. The easiest way to find the best type for your needs is to try each one. Many brands sell sample sizes and smaller portions for this reason.
Question: What is a CBD lube?
Answer: CBD lube is like an ordinary lubricant that prevents dryness and increases pleasure during intercourse. The only difference is it contains CBD which as anti-inflammatory properties that might be beneficial during sex according to several studies
