While smoking weed might make you relaxed and more in-tune with your deepest, darkest 3am thoughts, there does seem to be a general consensus that smoking marijuana every day isn’t exactly the best thing for your body, nor your mind.
But when it comes to sexual performance – in particular, the ability of your member to stand to attention when called upon – is there any evidence to show that daily weed smoking could impact your sexual function?
So, let’s get to the bottom of this burning question – can smoking weed every day cause erectile dysfunction? Let’s take a look.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Before we spark up this discussion, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what erectile dysfunction actually is. ED is, put simply, the inability to get or maintain an erection that’s firm and erect enough for sex, or even masturbation.
While it can be embarrassing when it occurs, it’s a fairly common issue that can affect men of all ages, though it becomes more prevalent as we get older. So, what causes it?
Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
While we’re focusing on cannabis today, it’s worth noting that there are many other factors that can contribute to ED. These include medical problems out of your control – such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications.
But psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression can also play a role. In fact, if you’ve ever wondered what causes a low libido, many of these same factors can be at play; when your mind and body are desynchronized, it often first manifests itself in your sex life.
Cannabis and Its Effects on the Body
Now, let’s talk about weed. As you likely already know, cannabis affects the body in various ways, in particular by interacting with our endocannabinoid system, aka a part of the body that plays a role in regulating mood, appetite, memory, and yes – even sexual function.
Does Smoking Weed Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
So, does lighting up every day mean you’re destined for disappointment in the bedroom? Well, it’s not quite that simple. The relationship between cannabis use and erectile function is complex and still not fully understood. However, there are several potential mechanisms through which regular cannabis use might contribute to ED:
Impact on Blood Flow
Cannabis can affect blood flow in the body, and as we all know, getting blood moving down there is essential for provoking and maintaining a solid erection. The bad news is, some studies suggest that regular cannabis can result in a high chance of reduced blood flow to the penis, potentially making it harder to get hard.
Hormonal Changes
THC, which is essentially the psychoactive compound in cannabis, can also influence testosterone levels. While research on the subject is quite mixed, some studies do indicate that heavy marijuana can potentially lower testosterone, and testosterone plays a key role in everything from your libido itself to your sexual function.
Psychological Effects
When it comes to sex, we can’t ever ignore the mental aspect. While many people use cannabis to relax, it’s an established fact that overdoing it can sometimes lead to anxiety or paranoia. And if we’re being honest, panic and paranoia aren’t exactly mood-setters.
Managing and Reducing the Risk of ED from Cannabis Use
As with most of life’s pleasures, moderation is key. If you choose to use cannabis – whether it helps you relax or helps you through chronic pain – try to do so responsibly and in moderation. And you should still pay attention to how it affects you, particularly in terms of your sexual function.
If you’re experiencing persistent issues with erectile function, it’s still worth speaking to your doctor about. While it’s true that they might suggest that you cut down on cannabis, they might also be able to offer you alternatives (such as CBD products) or explore other ways to boost your sexual performance.
And don’t forget, there are also a tonne of different solutions available to help boost your sexual performance, and none of them involve going cold turkey with weed. For example, many men who struggle with erectile dysfunction find that our penis pumps help them last longer – if you take a look at our before and after penis pump results, you can see how noticeable these differences are after just a couple of uses.
Final Thoughts
So while the jury’s still out on whether smoking weed every day directly causes erectile dysfunction, there’s enough evidence to suggest that heavy use might increase your risk. That being said, sexual health is an important part of overall well-being, and it’s influenced by many factors – not just what you smoke. If you find yourself smoking more often due to stress or other anxiety problems, getting to the root of these issues might reduce your reliance on lighting up a joint.
