This may feel like a touchy subject, but our Flavor Fix health experts are excited to share information on how to use CBD oil for erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get and maintain an erection, making it impossible to engage in sexual intercourse. When a person without ED experiences sexual arousal, the muscles in the penis relax, and blood flow to the penis increases. Blood fills two chambers of spongy tissue that run the length of the penis, called the corpora cavernosa. ED occurs when there is a problem with this process. Simply put, those who suffer from ED experience decreased blood flow to the penis.
Spilling the Tea on ED
Before diving into what causes ED and how to find treatment, it’s important to stress that this disorder is pretty common and, therefore, not something to feel isolated about. The Cleveland Clinic states that it’s normal for up to 20 percent of patients to have trouble getting or keeping an erection. So, it’s simply not true if you think it’s just you or your sexual partner who sometimes can’t get or keep an erection. ED only becomes a concern when you or your partner have trouble getting an erection over 50 percent of the time during intercourse.
What Causes ED?
Many factors can cause the development of ED, some of which are:
- Medication side effects
- High blood pressure
- Alcohol consumption
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Sleep disorders
- Scar tissue inside the penis
- Stress, fear, or depression
- Relationship problems
Also, if you thought that no one under 40 experiences ED, It might surprise you to know that over a quarter of patients with ED are under 40 years old.
ED Treatments and Solutions
There are a lot of approaches to treating erectile dysfunction, but they depend on the cause of the problem. Some drugs you’ve no doubt heard of are Viagra, Stendra, Cialis, and Levitra. Pfizer’s Viagra has become one of the most well-known and talked-about pharmaceutical products in the past few decades, penetrating mainstream popular culture. In 2019, Viagra sales topped $500 million, which shows the drug’s widespread adoption.
Usually, the first port of call for those suffering from ED is a variety of medications, all aimed at increasing blood flow to the penis. But before jumping on the pharmaceutical bandwagon, consider learning how to use CBD oil for erectile dysfunction.
How to Use CBD Oil for Erectile Dysfunction
Before you read about how to use CBD oil for erectile dysfunction, here’s a quick refresher on this cannabinoid.
CBD is a compound in cannabis, along with more than a hundred other naturally occurring cannabinoids, such as THC, CBC, CBG, and CBN.
While CBD and THC share properties, they don’t share the ability to induce a euphoric high. CBD users report very few adverse effects to date, giving it the seal of approval from the World Health Organization (WHO).
How CBD Oil Helps with ED
CBD can target CB1 receptors and potentially impact sexual health, such as libido and erectile dysfunction.
Some research indicates that CBD products improve libido by reducing anxiety. Many suffer from performance anxiety, which can significantly reduce libido. Many studies demonstrate the benefits of CBD for general anxiety, which could be helpful for ED sufferers when the cause is performance anxiety or general anxiety.
Another way CBD can indirectly help with ED is by treating sleep disorders. Not only does lack of sleep affect numerous other aspects of your health, but it can also negatively affect your sexual health. Lack of sleep can cause or worsen ED symptoms and decrease sex drive due to lack of energy. CBD promotes restful sleep, which could lead to better outcomes for sufferers of ED, perhaps by increasing sex drive and thus helping to get and keep an erection.
The Science Behind CBD and ED
The exact mechanism by which CBD helps ED is still unclear. One theory is that CBD could help relax blood vessels and stimulate blood flow, relieving ED when that increased blood flow travels to the penis. Better blood flow means longer-lasting erections and consequently better stamina during sex.
CBD is also said to lower blood pressure. According to one small study, a single dose of CBD was enough to lower blood pressure, another contributing factor to ED. So, regular CBD consumption could help those who suffer from ED and whose high blood pressure is to blame.
Similarly, cannabis use is linked to lower body mass index (BMI), rates of diabetes, and other metabolic diseases. Since CBD is the primary or secondary component of most varieties of whole-plant cannabis, it could play a critical role in managing BMI and supporting healthy sexual function. The specific role of CBD in these conditions is still under investigation.
Using CBD Oil
Now that we’ve identified how CBD encourages positive sexual health, how do you use CBD oil for erectile dysfunction?
Basically, any way you want. However, applying a drop under the tongue is the fastest, easiest way to achieve your desired effect. From here, your body absorbs the substance, and you can adjust the dosage accordingly.
Final Thoughts on CBD and Erectile Dysfunction
Learning how to use CBD oil for erectile dysfunction doesn’t mean you will eliminate the problem entirely. If symptoms persist, it may be worth discussing alternative therapies with your doctor. As research continues, there will undoubtedly be more positive sexual health discoveries. Until then, you can do your own research by trying it out for yourself and make an informed decision from there.
