How To Use CBD Oil For Erectile Dysfunction

There is a wide range of treatments available for erectile dysfunction. One more recently discovered treatment involves using CBD oil, which is derived from cannabinoids.

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids have been well-known to humans for centuries but have been gaining more attention in the media in recent years for their use in treating medical conditions.

Although legal in the early 1900s, international trade of Cannabis was placed under control during the International Opium Convention of 1925, and by 1931, 29 states in the US had outlawed marijuana.

Typically, people use cannabis by smoking the dried leaves of the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant contains more than 400 cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). The THC component creates the ‘high’ associated with cannabis use.

Our body naturally produces similar molecules, called endocannabinoids. The associated cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2¹ are mainly found in the central nervous system and peripherally in the immune system tissues.

This system helps regulate immune response and inflammatory reactions and works alongside numerous neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, GABA, and dopamine. 

Is CBD oil considered a medicine?

Using CBD oil to treat pain-related and psychological conditions is a relatively new concept. CBD is not yet supported by clinical data, except in rare contexts where derivatives of cannabinoids are available as pharmaceuticals. This includes analgesics (Nabiximols), and antiemetics (Dronabinol and Nabilone). CBD as a pharmaceutical has also been used to manage seizures secondary to Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.

Although research into long-term safety has been lacking due to lack of funding and classification as a controlled substance in the US, there is evidence that smoking marijuana may contribute to respiratory disease² and cardiac issues such as heart attacks.³ 

Of note, several studies⁴ have failed to identify cannabis as impairing sexual function in healthy individuals. However, they have shown that cannabis use is associated⁵ with reduced sperm production and impaired sperm function. 

A recent prospective longitudinal study⁶ demonstrated that long-term cannabis use at age 45 was associated with a decline in IQ scores and learning and processing speed, memory, and attention span.

What is CBD oil?

CBD oil is the concentrated form of the compounds found in the cannabis plant. The chemicals are analyzed and added to edible oil. It contains no or little amount of THC, which means that taking this substance will produce no psychoactive effect. 

This is the preferred method of administration for several reasons: it allows for a specific dosage, has no associated smell, and is easily digested. The main health concern in the past about cannabinoids was the route of administration – smoking typically causes lung damage. 

The removal of the THC also prevents a psychoactive effect, and therefore allows for the CBD component to be utilized safely.

How does CBD affect your libido?

There’s vast research on CBD oil in the context of psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. 

Psychological factors⁷ are important for your libido alongside physiological ones such as hormones. Therefore, mental health is crucial in understanding the association between CBD use and its impact on libido.

Several large cross-sectional surveys⁸ have demonstrated that cannabis use does not impair male or female sexual function in healthy individuals. 

Furthermore, a meta-analysis of case-control studies⁹ showed no difference in the prevalence of erectile dysfunction between cannabis users and nonusers.

In one study, over 50,000 cannabis users, both female and male, were surveyed over 14 years. They found a mild positive effect, with users having one more sexual activity per month than controls. 

Another study¹⁰ involving participants who actively use cannabis found that 58% reported increased libido. 

Multiple studies¹¹ in mice have found decreased testosterone levels with chronic usage of CBD, which may result in decreased libido.

However, clinical studies and data suggest that this is not the case. The effects on the endocrine system better correlate with sperm issues, such as decreased production and impaired function. This did not occur in all studies.

Can CBD help against erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a variety of factors. Historically, psychological causes have been thought to play an important role in contributing to ED. However, it is now believed that physical factors are more prominent. 

Sexual Performance anxiety is relatively common, affecting up to 25%¹² of men, and is characterized by experiencing excessive fear of an event. You might feel nervous that you will be unable to satisfy the other person.

CBD oil, alongside medications that work on the endocannabinoid system, is currently being investigated to treat various psychological conditions.¹³ It is hoped that this will lead to an efficient treatment for illnesses such as depression and anxiety, partly because current medications are ineffective in some cases or unacceptable from a side effect profile.

Research¹⁴ into CBD oil using male rats found an antidepressant and anti-anxiety effect, which was very dose-dependent. Trials of CBD oil are currently being conducted on human participants.

Types of CBD oil

There are different types of CBD oil, determined by their contents. The procedure to create the oil remains relatively similar. Manufacturers can include or exclude other molecular compounds in the cannabis plant. 

Isolate CBD (Only CBD – no other cannabinoid compounds)

Isolated CBD oil is the purest form available. It only contains cannabinol extract.

Broad-spectrum CBD (contains cannabinoids except for TCH)

Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains other cannabinoids in the cannabis plant except for TCH.

Full-spectrum CBD (contains many cannabinoids, including THC)

Full-spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, including THC. The concentration of THC is normally very low – below 0.3%.

Benefits of CBD oil for erectile dysfunction

It is not certain whether CBD oil can help with erectile dysfunction. This is because CBD oil affects everyone differently. The effect depends on several factors, including the person, dose, strain, and duration of usage.

However, as self-reported CBD use may help with socialization, especially by reducing anxiety,¹⁵ it could ultimately make users more willing to engage in healthy sexual contact.

What are the side effects of using CBD oil for ED?

It is thought that CBD oil is generally well-tolerated. However, at the time of writing it has only been approved for medical use for two epileptic conditions, cancer-induced cachexia, nausea and as an adjunct analgesic in some contexts. 

Common and possible side-effects are:

• Diarrhea

• Increased appetite

• Drowsiness 

• Fast heart rate

• Raised blood pressure, or especially in older adults, orthostatic hypotension

• Increased breathing rate

• Dry mouth

• Visual abnormalities such as conjunctival injection, nystagmus

• Slurred speech

• Ataxia (problems with balance and coordination).

Because THC has been removed from the product, it is not considered addictive. CBD oil has been considered a possible treatment option for tobacco and heroin addiction.

Due to the limited research, likely, some rarer side effects are yet to be discovered. This is one reason to speak to your doctor if you are considering using this treatment. 

How to use CBD oil for ED?

CBD oil comes in many forms. The most common way to ingest CBD oil is in a capsule. Other forms include:

• Oral spray

• Oral drops, lozenges, or capsules

• Vaporizer device

• Topical gel or patches.

Dosage

There is no recommended starting dose. 

If you are contemplating using CBD oil, it is important to start your dose very low and gradually work up from there until a desirable effect is produced. This reduces the likelihood of overdosing, which can lead to significant medical implications.

Research¹⁶ has found that doses up to 1,500mg daily are well tolerated without many safety concerns.

Where can you buy CBD oil?

Going to your local pharmacy is your best bet to find CBD oil. There are several brands of CBD oil and asking the pharmacist about their opinion might help you decide which one is right for you.

It can also be purchased online.

When to see a doctor

You should consult a doctor if ED is impacting your life significantly. Medical professionals are best equipped to deal with your ED. Due to the many different reasons for the condition, they will be able to discuss what might be causing your ED and treat it accordingly.  

Treating any medical condition with CBD oil, including ED, is still new. Due to the lack of evidence to support the various claims, caution should be taken when deciding whether to use this treatment.

The lowdown

CBD oil may be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. It is important to be aware that no clinical data supports these claims. Because this theory is relatively new, there has not been enough time and effort in researching the drug to safely condone its use to the general public. 

If you want to try CBD oil, you should start at a lower dose and increase gradually to reduce any potential side effects. Always discuss this with your doctor first.