Men's Sexual Health: How Good is CBD for Erectile Dysfunction?
Over the past decade, male sexual health has taken center stage as one of the most worrying social trends of the 21st century. In the 2018 General Social Survey, nearly 30% of adult men reported not having had sexual intercourse in the past year–a number nearly triple that from a decade earlier. Worse, a substantial portion of those surveyed were between 20 and 35, when men are thought to be in their sexual prime.
Since then, many studies have attempted to explain this downward trajectory by looking at social and health data for those affected. While some experts blame pandemic-era restraints and a more gradual transition to adulthood, others point to the growing rates of erectile dysfunction among otherwise healthy men. Specifically, some studies suggest that 322 million men will suffer from the condition by 2025–more than double the number in 1995.
In order to combat these growing issues, an increasing number of men have turned to supplements for help. And in recent years, more and more individuals have begun recognizing the potential health benefits of CBD for erectile dysfunction.
Although CBD products have become more widely accepted since the turn of the century, many still have concerns about their relationship to recreational or medical marijuana. So, to calm those fears and provide guidance about how to use CBD to treat erectile dysfunction, we've assembled a comprehensive breakdown of CBD products and how to use them.
What Is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the primary active compounds within hemp. Although related to THC, the main psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, hemp-derived CBD does not provide a "high."
Instead, CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate anxiety, reproduction, growth, and many other critical functions. On top of health benefits such as moderating symptoms of depression and reducing inflammation, studies suggest CBD can also relieve pain, treat sleep disorders, and protect against heart disease.
How Does CBD Treat Erectile Dysfunction?
Although CBD offers countless health benefits, those seeking solutions for erectile dysfunction will be most interested in its ability to promote blood flow and help treat anxiety, which has been strongly linked to ED. Below, we'll go over each of these potential benefits independently to give you a clear of whether they might be useful to you.
Blood Pressure
Often, individuals suffering from erectile dysfunction may show signs of high blood pressure. Luckily, cannabidiol reduces blood pressure by binding to receptors in your brain and arteries, causing them to relax. By lowering blood pressure this way, you can stimulate blood flow to different areas of the body and potentially reduce symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
Additionally, high blood pressure has been strongly linked to poor sleep quality, which can also have a profound effect on sexual performance. By taking a CBD supplement before bed–even on nights spent alone–you may be able to lower blood pressure, boost sleep quality, and improve circulation.
Finally, some research suggests that better blood flow may increase sexual pleasure, making CBD a fun and functional supplement for those wanting a little boost.
Anxiety Disorders
Research suggests that nearly 20% of men will experience some form of social anxiety disorder in their lifetime. And, because stress levels have been strongly linked to a man's likelihood of developing erectile dysfunction, supplements to treat anxiety can also be powerful tools for reducing sexual performance anxiety.
For anxiety, CBD primarily works by boosting the brain's production of serotonin and regulating blood flow to the areas responsible for mood. Important to note is that THC has been associated with both decreases and increases in anxiety levels, so it may be best to opt for a supplement that uses CBD isolate to minimize THC.
Which CBD Product Is Best to Treat ED?
Generally, CBD products come in one of three forms, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. These are:
CBD Oil
When the supplement industry first began creating CBD products for male fertility, CBD oil for erectile dysfunction was one of the most obvious solutions. Typically delivered via a dropper, CBD oil can either be administered directly under the tongue or added to liquids such as tea or water.
For sexual performance, however, the awkward nature of a dropper may be less discreet than some other options, and some users report a noticeable aftertaste when using CBD oil vs. other products.
CBD Gummies
Just like THC gummies, CBD gummies have quickly become one of the most popular methods of consumption. Sweet, convenient, and candy-like, the effects of CBD gummies generally last longer than those of oils. Still, these long-lasting effects come at the cost of a substantially delayed response, as the body needs time to digest gummies before "kicking in."
With enough advance notice, CBD gummies may be an excellent choice for those looking to manage erectile dysfunction. Still, those hoping for spontaneity may need another alternative.
CBD Mints
As a more recent innovation in the CBD supplement industry, CBD mints combine the fast-acting properties of CBD oil with the convenience of CBD gummies. By dissolving quickly on the tongue, mints provide their effects almost immediately and, as a bonus, leave a pleasant, refreshing taste that you and your partner will both enjoy.
Due to their combination of convenience and discretion, CBD mints may be the best overall solution for help with erectile dysfunction.
Isolate vs. Broad Spectrum vs. Full Spectrum
Different products use different types of CBD to offer results, and it's important to learn the facts about each before making a decision.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is created by refining plant matter from hemp into a crystalline form, then turning those crystals into a fine powder. Because isolate undergoes a much more extensive harvesting process than either broad spectrum or full spectrum CBD, it is also the purest form of CBD possible.
For individuals looking to avoid THC for personal, professional, or medical reasons, this pure version of the compound is often the best choice.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Squarely between isolate and full spectrum in terms of ingredients, broad-spectrum CBD contains other compounds–or terpenes–found in the cannabis plant. Though this can sometimes mean a higher THC content than you would find with CBD isolate, it's still typically less than that of a full-spectrum CBD product.
Full-Spectrum CBD
By using the maximum number of terpenes from the hemp plant, full-spectrum CBD looks to capitalize on the "entourage effect," in which multiple active compounds boost each other's effects. While this may improve the experience for some users, it also comes with potentially problematic levels of THC that may register on drug tests.
Also, full-spectrum CBD products generally have a much more pronounced, earthy flavor than either broad-spectrum or isolate, making them less than ideal for those wanting a discreet option.
What to Look For In CBD Products
Regardless of which product or company you choose to trust, you should always ensure that they offer certain non-negotiable qualities, such as:
Third-party Testing
When buying any supplement, it's always best to look for companies that provide third-party testing of their products to ensure purity. Because these third-party testing labs operate independently of manufacturers, they provide an unbiased breakdown of the supplements they test.
Organic Ingredients
For highly-concentrated products like CBD supplements, it's extremely important that all ingredients are derived from organic sources. Just like the manufacturing process for these products concentrates the benefits of CBD, it can also concentrate impurities like pesticides or chemicals used to maintain freshness on non-organic farms.
Made in the U.s.
Currently, the United States maintains strict guidelines for the production of CBD supplements. While this includes checking whether the product manufacturers addressed safety and purity, it also means that all CBD products made in the U.S. must contain less than 0.3% THC.
The Bottom Line on CBD for Erectile Dysfunction
While any promise to naturally "cure" erectile dysfunction would be irresponsible, it's true that certain lifestyle changes and natural supplements can help overcome the disorder. By adopting a healthy diet, working to improve sleep quality, and exercising more often, many men can reduce or eliminate symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
Still, those with lingering struggles may benefit from a high-quality CBD supplement like our line of Süth products. Designed using only the purest, most undiluted version of CBD isolate, these convenient, discreet mints work quickly to reduce anxiety and increase blood flow.
For individuals who still have questions about CBD supplements for treating erectile dysfunction, we also suggest contacting your healthcare provider to check for any underlying health conditions that might be affecting your sex life.