Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sexual difficulty wherein males fail to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. The reason for erectile dysfunction can be physical or psychological.  

Factors such as lifestyle choices, medicinal side effects, and medical conditions, etc. can be the contributors to impotence. However, the association between marijuana use and erectile dysfunction is a topic of interest that is being researched.

Marijuana is a drug that has psychoactive properties. It comes under the category of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a cannabinoid substance. The substance influences the body’s endocannabinoid system, which has a crucial role in numerous bodily processes, ranging from appetite, mood regulation, pain sensation, and reproductive function.

In this blog, we shall understand the effects of marijuana on sexual function.  

Effects of marijuana on erectile dysfunction

Marijuana has strong mind-altering properties. It can trigger several physiological as well as psychological changes in the body. The sexual function may also be impacted. Here's how the use of marijuana may potentially contribute to erectile dysfunction in males:   

Impacts vascular mechanism

As per some studies, men who use marijuana are more prone to the risk of increased heart rate and blood pressure. They may also experience blood flow fluctuations. Such changes can affect their ability to get and maintain stronger erections.

Erectile dysfunction is the early indicator of chronic underlying health conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure. So, as the drug contributes to these problems, the erection function gets affected ultimately.  

The use of marijuana makes it difficult for them to experience a fulfilling sex life. Not only does it impact psychologically, but also psychologically. It leads to vascular dysfunction. The blood vessels of the penile become narrow and the blood flow to the penile limits, thereby leading to ED.

Triggers psychological changes

Since marijuana is a potent psychoactive substance, it can alter mood and cognition. It may lead to psychological changes, contributing to psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Men who use marijuana are more susceptible to performance anxiety.

As a result, their desire for sex and intimacy may dwindle. Due to a decrease in sex drive, their sexual desire lowers. They may lose interest in sex, which is why they may fail to feel the arousal, leading to erection difficulties.

Nerve dysfunction

The effects of marijuana can also disrupt the nervous system function. It affects the sexual responsiveness of the individual. According to several studies, long-term use of this drug increases your chances of getting their nerves damaged permanently.

For a healthy erection response, the nerves in the penile receive signals from the central nervous system. Nerves play a pivotal role in transferring the signals of sexual arousal. Their damage can affect sexual function.

Besides, the person may also lose their ability to feel sexual arousal due to loss of sensation.

Hormonal fluctuations

Researchers suggest that the use of marijuana may contribute to hormonal fluctuations in the body. It may affect the levels of the testosterone hormone. As per some sources, acute use of this drug may cause a sudden rise in testosterone levels, while long-term use of this drug may be linked to lower levels of testosterone in some individuals.

Since Testosterone plays a key role in sexual function by regulating the sex drive or libido and erectile function, changes in its levels impact the sexual function big time.

Ill effects of smoking

Men who smoke marijuana are at a greater risk of developing chronic health conditions like cardiovascular disorders, issues with respiratory health, and vascular dysfunction. Any problem with the vascular mechanism and heart health will lead to erection difficulties.

Things to keep in mind

According to various sources, marijuana can have a profound effect on your psychological and physiological function. It may potentiate the chances of developing erectile dysfunction and related sexual problems in men.

However, the research regarding the association of marijuana and erection dysfunction is still ongoing and in progress. The findings may vary, as the effects of this drug might be different in every individual.

Every individual’s response to marijuana may differ according to several factors like age, dosage, method of consumption, underlying health conditions, general health, and medicinal effects.

Talk to an expert

If you have been using marijuana and developed issues with your erection function, then it is better to consult a healthcare professional. You must discuss your concerns with them. The impacts and severity may differ from one person to another.   

They will provide you with much-needed guidance on effectively managing erection difficulties. They may prescribe you some remedies like ED medicine to ease the erection function. ED medicine like Vigora 100 can help restore a healthy erection function.