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CBD is a potent cannabinoid obtained from the Cannabis Sativa plant. In the past few years, scientists have researched CBD to find its health benefits. Studies found that CBD affects almost all the major organ systems. CBD can also help treat several diseases and adverse health conditions. Cannabis manufacturers have processed CBD to produce various products such as CBD oil, tinctures, gummies, and other edibles. People state that CBD oil can help reduce stress, relieve pain and inflammation, and help treat epileptic disorders.
Studies have found that CBD oil has reduced cancerous growth. Researchers also claim that CBD oil can help improve your sexual health. This article will explore whether consuming CBD oil can help treat erectile dysfunction and whether it is safe to use.
CBD Oil: All you need to know
CBD oil is a compound derived from Cannabis Sativa plants by cold-pressing its leaves, flowers, and buds. This oil is non-psychoactive and is used to treat several health conditions. It helps relieve pain and reduce stress. CBD oil also has neuroprotective and anti-carcinogenic properties.
Scientists also claim that CBD oil might help treat erectile dysfunction. Before we see how it helps with erectile dysfunction, let’s learn what erectile dysfunction is.
Erectile Dysfunction: What Should Know About It?
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to experience or maintain a penile erection during sexual intercourse. Though most men have some trouble keeping an erection once in a while, it can be a severe health issue if the condition persists.
Erectile dysfunction can occur due to stress, genetic factors, trauma, vascular and neurological disorders, and other psychological conditions. It can affect one’s libido and lower sex drive. Studies have shown that erectile dysfunction can also affect self-esteem and mental peace and contribute to relationship troubles.
Though people refrain from talking about erectile dysfunction openly, it is not an uncommon disorder. According to a recent survey, about 52% of the male population aged 40-70 years might have experienced erectile dysfunction. Researchers estimate that by the end of 2025, there will be over 300 million cases globally.
Can CBD Oil Help Treat Erectile Dysfunction?
Scientists have found that our sexual health is closely related to the proper functioning of our endocannabinoid system. Before we learn whether CBD oil can help treat erectile dysfunction, let’s take a look at the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex biological system that contributes to the proper functioning of almost all major organ systems of our body. The ECS is composed of endocannabinoid receptors and endogenous lipid-based neurotransmitters. Studies have found that erratic functioning of the endocannabinoid system might contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction.
Building upon this fact, researchers found that consuming CBD oil might be beneficial for treating erectile dysfunction. The extracts in CBD oil bind with the endocannabinoid receptors and help relieve the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. How? Let’s see.
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CBD Oil Helps Reduce Stress
Stress and lack of rest are two of the major contributing factors that cause erectile dysfunction. CBD oil helps relieve stress by interacting with the nervous system. It stimulates serotonin and dopamine synthesis. These hormones bestow a feeling of calmness and relaxation and thus, help relieve stress.
CBD oil also helps lower cortisol or the “stress” hormone level. CBD oil also has sleep-improving properties, which help reduce stress and anxiety and lower the risk of erectile dysfunction.
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CBD Oil Helps Improve Blood Flow:
CBD oil can also help lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation. This, in turn, helps facilitate better blood flow to the male genital organs and helps treat erectile dysfunction.
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CBD Oil Boosts Libido:
Erectile dysfunction is often associated with reduced libido. CBD oil can help improve sexual drive by influencing the part of the brain which controls sexual arousal. CBD oil can also help improve sexual performance by stimulating anandamide synthesis, the “bliss” hormone.
Does CBD Oil Affect Sperm Count and Motility?
Studies also show that CBD oil can impact human fertility. However, the data is inconclusive. A study published in 2015 suggests that the CBD oil might have varied effects for different people on male fertility. The study considered 1215 young male subjects, and it was found that regular consumption of CBD can significantly lower sperm count.
Another study published in 2019 reported a contradicting result. For this study, 662 males visiting fertility clinics for various issues were considered. Researchers discovered that the participants with a history of cannabis use had higher sperm concentration than those who did not use cannabis. Studies have shown that CBD oil can negatively affect the morphology of the sperm. A scientific review published in 2019 suggested that prolonged use of CBD oil might also reduce sperm motility, affecting male fertility adversely.
Potential Side Effects of CBD Oil:
CBD oil is generally effective and safe to use. Though it is well-tolerated by most people, it can cause hypersensitive reactions in some people, especially those allergic to trees and nuts. CBD oil can have some side effects such as:
- Loss of Appetite
- Reduced follicle stimulation
- Reduced sperm production
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
Studies have shown that CBD oil can have varied effects on male sexual and reproductive health. Scientists found that CBD oil can help treat erectile dysfunction by reducing stress and anxiety, improving blood flow to the male genitals, and enhancing libido. However, a few scientific reviews also indicate that consuming CBD oil regularly might negatively affect sperm health and reduce male fertility. Experts advise men of reproductive age to consume controlled amounts of CBD oil to be safe. This article will help you understand the effect of CBD oil as a treatment for erectile dysfunction and make you aware of its side effects and health risks.
