A new study suggests that psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, LSD, and other substances can improve sexual function, even months after an experience.
The findings published in Nature Scientific Reports on Wednesday are based on a survey conducted by 261 participants before and after they took psychedelics. The Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London combined the responses of 261 participants with those from a clinical trial that compared psilocybin to a common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs).
The authors claim that this is the first formal scientific study to explore the effects psychedelics have on sexual function. The study states that while anecdotal evidence and qualitative evidence suggests the substances may have benefits, this has not been “formally tested.”
Tommaso Barba is a PhD student and lead author at the Centre for Psychedelic Research. “Our work does not focus what happens to people’s sexual function while they are on psychedelics and we aren’t talking about perceived sexual performance’,” said Tommaso. “But it does indicate that there may be a long-lasting positive impact on their sexual functioning after a psychedelics experience, which could have an impact on psychological well-being.”
Both studies and populations reported improved sexual function and satisfaction after psychedelic usage.
The authors noted that sexual dysfunction was a common symptom and side effect associated with mental disorders, as well as certain medications such as SSRIs.
Barba stated that “on the surface this type of research might seem ‘quirky’, but the psychological aspects of sexual functions–including our thoughts about our bodies, our attraction to partners, and the ability to connect with people intimately- are all important for psychological wellbeing among sexually active adults.”
Bruna Giribaldi, co-author of the study, said that most studies examine whether depression treatment causes sexual dysfunction. This study went further.
Giribaldi said, “We wanted to go deeper and explore more aspects of sexuality which could be affected by these treatments.” We were interested to see if psychedelics can influence sexuality positively, as anecdotal reports suggested.
The team’s analyses found that participants experienced improvements in sexual function as long as 6 months after their psychedelic experiences. They observed increases in enjoyment of sex and sexual arousal.
The naturalistic use of psychedelics is associated with improved sexual satisfaction and functioning, including better communication and pleasure during sex and satisfaction with one’s partner.
Most notable improvements included a greater sense of sex being a “spiritual or sacred experience”, satisfaction with appearance, partner and pleasure.
“Sexuality, as a human desire, is fundamental.” Barba explained that, for example, sexual dysfunction can be linked to lower levels of well-being among healthy adults. It may also impact on relationship satisfaction and even subjective happiness.
After a psychedelic trip, psychoactive compounds can improve sexual function.
Read more about the findings of the first known scientific investigation into the effects of #psychedelics on sex from our @Imperial_PRG.
https://t.co/uRh86ErLXX
Imperial Department of Brain Sciences 8 February 2024
It is possible to interpret this as a sign that psychedelics do not lead to hypersexuality, or an excessive focus of attention on sex.
The clinical trial portion of this study compared psilocybin to the SSRI escitalopram. While both treatments reduced depressive symptoms “similarly,” “patients treated by psilocybin experienced positive changes in their sexual function after treatment while patients treated with escitalopram didn’t.”
Barba noted that this is especially important because “sexual dysfunction often caused by antidepressants” leads to people stopping their medications and then relapsing.
David Erritzoe said that the findings “shed more light on the wide-ranging effects of psychedelics” on a variety of psychological functions. However, he added that more research is needed, particularly in light of psychedelics’ current illegality.
Erritzoe stated in a press release that “while the findings are interesting, we are far from a clinical application,” because psychedelics have yet to be integrated into medical systems. We may see clinical applications in the future, but we need more research.”
says in its study that “these findings highlight the necessity for further research using more comprehensive and validated measures to fully understand psychedelics’ effects on sexual function.” The preliminary results suggest that psychedelics could be useful for sexual dysfunction disorders.
The use of psychedelics may improve sexual function and satisfaction in many areas, including sexual satisfaction, body image, communication, and sexual desire.
The new study was published just a few weeks after an American Medical Association study reported on the apparent “efficacy and security” of psilocybin assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of bipolar disorder. This mental illness is often associated with difficult to treat depressive episodes.
These two studies are part a growing body research that shows the potential for psilocybin, and other entheogens, to treat a variety of mental health conditions including PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. They also show their effectiveness in treating anxiety and substance abuse disorders.
In a recent survey, more than 1,200 Canadian patients were asked to provide their opinions on the use of psilocybin in helping people with psychological distress . Researchers found that psilocybin appeared to have “advantages for those who experienced more severe childhood trauma.”
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), Ohio State University (OSU) and Unlimited Sciences published research in September showing an link between psilocybin and “permanent reductions” of depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse, as well as increased emotional regulation, spiritual wellness, and extraversion.
In August , a separate study by the American Medical Association showed that people with depression suffered a “clinically significant sustained” reduction in symptoms after only one dose of psilocybin.
In a peer-reviewed article published in Nature, a study found that MDMA treatment reduced symptoms among patients with moderate-to-severe PTSD. These results could lead to FDA approval of the substance.
A study published in August showed that administering small doses of MDMA with psilocybin or LSD appeared to reduce feelings like guilt or fear, which are often side effects when consuming magic mushrooms or LSD.
In June, a first-of its-kind analysis revealed novel insights on the mechanisms by which psychedelic assisted therapy helps people who struggle with alcoholism.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse at the federal level has recently begun soliciting proposals to support a series research initiatives that aim to investigate how psychedelics can be used to treat addiction.
In terms of other research on controlled substances and sexual pleasure, a study published last year in Journal of Cannabis Research concluded that marijuana can also increase sexual pleasure, particularly for women. The authors of the report said the findings could close the “orgasm equality gap” between women and men.
In 2022, a study from Spain found that adolescents who smoke marijuana and consume alcohol have better orgasms, and a more complete sexual experience, than those who abstain, or use less.
A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2020 also showed that women with higher cannabis use had better sex.
Many online surveys report similar positive associations with marijuana and sex. One study found that the passage marijuana laws led to an increase in sexual activity.
Another, however, warned that more marijuana does not necessarily equal better sex. In a literature review from 2019, it was found that the impact of cannabis on libido could depend on dosage. Lower amounts of THC were associated with higher levels of arousal, and satisfaction. The study concluded that most studies have shown marijuana to be beneficial for women’s sexual functions. However, too much THC may actually cause harm.
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