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CBD & Sex - How CBD Can Improve Our Sex Life

Written by: Lena Grammling

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Time to read 8 min

In a world where stress and hectic often take over, many are looking for natural ways to bring relaxation and enjoyment into their lives – even in bed. Unfortunately, a stressful and hectic everyday life often negatively impacts our sex life – especially when worries, anxieties, and psychological or physical complaints are added.


Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, has evolved from a niche product into one of the fastest-growing trends in health and wellness products in recent years. CBD is also a much-discussed topic concerning sexual life.

As CBD experts, in this blog article, we want to shed light on how the effects of CBD can influence our sexuality.

What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, a chemical compound naturally found in the cannabis plant. CBD is one of many cannabinoids identified in cannabis. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another well-known cannabinoid, CBD is not psychoactive – meaning it does not cause a high.

CBD exerts its effects by interacting with our body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is found in the brain and nervous system of all mammals and enables the interaction between CBD and the organism. CBD is an external cannabinoid and can therefore attach to various cannabinoid receptors within the ECS, thereby modulating different bodily functions.

The ECS acts as a sophisticated communication network between the body and brain, regulating essential bodily functions and processes such as pain perception, mood, appetite, sleep, and immune response.

Through its interaction with the ECS, CBD offers a range of health benefits. CBD acts like a conductor harmonizing the orchestra of endogenous cells and systems, thus contributing to the maintenance and restoration of physical balance, also known as homeostasis.¹

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How can CBD positively influence our sex life?

The effect of CBD on sexuality is evident in four key areas – from stress reduction and pain relief to improved blood circulation and hormonal balance. Discover how CBD holistically supports body and mind to promote desire and intimacy.

Infographic: CBD effect sexuality

Direct effects of CBD on our reproductive system

CBD can positively influence sex life through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS controls important bodily functions, including the reproductive system. It helps maintain balance in the body and responds to endogenous cannabinoids as well as external cannabinoids such as CBD.

A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine investigated endocannabinoid levels in subjects before and after masturbation to orgasm. It was found that levels of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol increased after orgasm. This finding highlights the role of endocannabinoids such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol in promoting sexual arousal and orgasm.

The study suggests that by regulating the ECS, particularly through the use of CBD, sexual response and feelings of pleasure may be improved.² Desire and sexual pleasure can be promoted through these mechanisms. Further research is needed to understand these connections in more detail.

Indirect effects of CBD on our sex life

1. Less stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety are common factors that can negatively impact sexuality. They not only impair sex drive but can also hinder the ability to relax and thus the entire sexual experience. Performance anxiety, in particular, can impair sexual desire and satisfaction during sex and should therefore be addressed mentally.

CBD is often praised for its anxiolytic and stress-reducing properties. By interacting with the ECS, CBD can help modulate the release of stress hormones like cortisol.¹ This leads to a reduction in anxiety and stress, making it easier to relax and engage in intimate moments.

Studies and user reports suggest that taking CBD can contribute to reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, which in turn can enhance sexual pleasure during sex.

2. Less pain

Pain during intercourse, known as dyspareunia, can be a major obstacle to a fulfilling sex life.

CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which come from its interactions with the CB2 receptors of the ECS. These receptors are active in the immune system, among other places, and play a role in pain and inflammation regulation.¹

By using CBD products, inflammation and associated pain can be effectively reduced, making intercourse more pleasant and improving the overall sexual experience. Pain relief significantly contributes to increasing libido.

3. Better blood circulation

Blood circulation plays a crucial role in sexual arousal and function, for men and women of all genders. In men, good blood circulation is essential for achieving and maintaining an erection, while in women it can increase sensitivity and improve natural lubrication.

CBD has vasoactive properties that can lead to vasodilation and improved blood circulation.³ This can not only improve the sensitivity of the genitals, but also contribute to the treatment of problems such as erectile dysfunction.

4. Balanced Hormones

The ECS plays a central role in regulating homeostasis in the body, including hormone balance. Hormones such as the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen have a direct influence on sexual desire and function.

CBD can support the function of the ECS, which in turn helps to regulate hormone production.¹ By stabilizing the hormone balance, CBD can contribute to improving libido and general sexual health. This hormonal balance acts like a natural aphrodisiac on the mind and can promote the activation of sexual desire.

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What CBD products are there?

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There are various CBD products that can be used both internally and externally, offering different benefits for sexual life.

Internal Application of CBD

Internal application of CBD includes products such as CBD oil, capsules, or gummies, which are taken orally. This form of application allows CBD to act systemically, meaning it is absorbed into the bloodstream and can potentially affect the entire body.

Benefits:

  • General Relaxation and Stress Reduction: CBD interacts with the central nervous system to lower overall stress levels, which can lead to a more relaxed mood.¹ This general calming effect is particularly useful for people who struggle to relax sexually and let go during sex due to stress or anxiety. For optimal CBD effect, it should be taken approximately 30-60 minutes before planned intimacy.
  • Pain Relief: Chronic pain can negatively impact sexual life. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate chronic pain conditions,¹ allowing those affected to have a less painful and thus more fulfilling sexual life.
  • Improved Libido: Some studies and user reports suggest that CBD can improve libido by influencing the ECS, which plays a role in regulating hormones and sexual arousal.² Regular use of CBD oil can positively influence sexual desire.

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External Application of CBD

External applications include products such as CBD-infused lubricants, creams, and CBD oil, which are applied directly to the skin or genitals. This form of application allows CBD to act locally where it is applied, without being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Benefits:

  • Local Pain Relief: Especially for dyspareunia or other painful conditions in the genital area, local application of CBD can help relieve pain directly at the source. CBD has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects,¹ which can make the sexual experience less painful.
  • Improved Blood Circulation and Sensitivity: Applying CBD-containing products to the genitals can promote blood circulation in these areas.³ This can increase sensitivity and improve both sexual arousal and pleasure during sex. Local application of CBD oil can also promote the release of oxytocin.
  • Increased Lubrication: CBD can also promote natural lubrication by supporting blood circulation and relaxation of the affected areas. This is particularly useful for individuals who struggle with vaginal dryness and want to increase their sexual desire.

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Both types of CBD application offer specific benefits for sexual life. While internal application provides systemic effects that affect the entire body, external application targets local areas, offering direct relief and benefits at specific points.

Users can choose which form of application is best suited for their sexual life based on their individual needs and preferences. In some cases, a combination of both methods may also be useful to achieve optimal results.

Conclusion - CBD & Sex

CBD has great potential to positively influence our sex life, both directly and indirectly, through various mechanisms.

Directly, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating the reproductive system and sexual responses. Research, such as the study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, shows that CBD influences endocannabinoid levels, which has been proven to promote sexual arousal and the experience of orgasms.

Indirectly, through its stress-reducing and anti-inflammatory properties, CBD helps overcome hurdles such as stress, anxiety, and pain that can impair sex life. It also improves blood circulation, which directly increases sexual function and sensitivity, and supports hormone balance, which is essential for sexual health and libido.

Overall, CBD can thus contribute in many ways to enrich and improve sex life.

FAQ - CBD & Sex

How does CBD affect the vulva and vagina?

CBD can promote blood circulation³ and increase sensitivity, which can lead to heightened pleasure during sex and more intense orgasms.

How does CBD affect the penis?

Through improved blood circulation, CBD can help enhance erectile function and boost sexual performance. This can be particularly helpful for erectile dysfunction.

Can CBD increase libido?

Yes, some studies and user reports suggest that CBD can increase libido by influencing the endocannabinoid system and promoting sexual desire, which plays an important role in regulating hormones and sexual arousal.

Are there differences between internal and external use of CBD for sex life?

Yes, while internal use (CBD oil) acts systemically and promotes general relaxation, stress reduction, and pain relief throughout the body, external use (CBD lube, creams, CBD oil) targets local areas and offers direct benefits such as increased sensitivity, improved blood circulation, and enhanced lubrication in specific areas.


Sources and Studies

¹ Sallaberry, C. & Astern, L. (2018). The Endocannabinoid System, our universal regulator. Journal of Young Investigators. 34 (6). pp. 48-55. Downloaded on January 26, 2024, from [Source]

² Fuss, J. et al. (2017). Masturbation to Orgasm Stimulates the Release of the Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol in Humans. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 14 (11), pp. 1372–1379. Downloaded on April 17, 2024, from [Source]

³ Stanley, C.P., Hind, W.H., O'Sullivan, S.E. (2013). Is the cardiovascular system a therapeutic target for cannabidiol? British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 75 (2), pp. 313–322. Downloaded on April 17, 2024, from [Source]