Some men report temporary increase in pleasure or libido with cannabis use, while others experience reduced erection quality, hormonal changes, and possible impacts on fertility.
Studies suggest that cannabis use may be associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction. One hypothesis is that cannabis causes changes in the hypothalamus, the brain region responsible for regulating various body functions, including sexual response.
Additionally, consumption of the substance can also interfere with the quantity, quality, and motility of sperm, compromising male fertility.
Continue reading to better understand the possible impacts of cannabis on male sexual health.
Does cannabis cause erectile dysfunction?
Studies suggest a possible association between cannabis use and erectile dysfunction. A review of the literature found that the prevalence of the condition is approximately 4 times higher among cannabis users compared to non-users.
One of the main hypotheses to explain this association involves the “endocannabinoid system,” a communication network in the body responsible for regulating various physiological processes, including sexual function.
This system has receptors in brain regions related to sexual desire and arousal, and is also present in the corpora cavernosa of the penis, tissue that fills with blood during an erection.
By interacting with these receptors, cannabis can impair the nerve signals sent from the brain to the penis during sexual arousal.
Additionally, it can compromise the relaxation of penile muscles and the dilation of blood vessels, altering the blood flow necessary to achieve and maintain an erection.
Does cannabis affect male libido?
Yes. Cannabis can affect male libido, although its effects vary depending on the dose, frequency of use, and individual characteristics.
A study published in 2024 suggests that lower doses of cannabis may be associated with increased sexual desire and pleasure. On the other hand, higher doses tend to reduce libido.
Despite these findings, the authors themselves emphasize that more research is still needed to better understand the relationship between cannabis use and male sexual desire.
Possible increase in sexual desire
Some studies investigate a possible association between cannabis use and increased libido.
One of them, published by the Journal of Cannabis Research, evaluated 811 adults between 20 and 40 years old through an online questionnaire. Participants reported perceiving an increase in sexual desire associated with cannabis use.
However, this type of study is based on subjective reports from participants and does not investigate the biological mechanisms involved, such as a possible relationship between cannabis and testosterone levels. Therefore, its results should be interpreted with caution.
Reduced libido in some users
A review published in the World Journal of Men’s Health analyzed research on cannabis and sex hormones and proposed that this reduction in sexual desire may be related to cannabis interference with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
This system connects the brain to the testes and regulates the production of sex hormones, such as testosterone, and also plays an important role in reproductive function.
The authors identified studies pointing to a possible reduction in luteinizing hormone levels (LH), which is responsible for stimulating testosterone production by the testes.
Despite these findings, the review emphasizes that the evidence is still inconclusive. It is not possible to state that every cannabis user will experience reduced testosterone or changes in libido.
Therefore, the relationship between cannabis use and male sexual desire is still not fully understood and requires more research.
Can cannabis harm male fertility?
| Aspect | What medical evidence says |
|---|---|
| Sperm production | Studies suggest that frequent cannabis use can interfere with hormonal production, especially testosterone, compromising spermatogenesis (sperm production). |
| Seminal quality | Possible reduction in semen quality, including decreased motility (ability to move), changes in morphology (shape), and lower sperm concentration, mainly among frequent users. |
| Fertility and reproductive planning | Some studies associate regular cannabis use with reduced fertility potential and greater difficulty conceiving. However, factors such as frequency of use, amount consumed, and lifestyle also influence these results. |
What are the effects of frequent cannabis use?
When to seek medical help?
It is recommended to see a urologist when there are persistent changes in erection, reduced libido, or suspected infertility. Medical evaluation is important to identify the possible causes of these symptoms, including conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and hormonal changes that may be associated with changes in male sexual health.
Medical evaluation is important to identify the possible causes of these symptoms, including conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and hormonal changes that can compromise male sexual health.
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