Cannabis, the most widely consumed drug globally, is becoming increasingly popular due to evolving laws and social acceptance. With millions of men using cannabis, understanding its impact on male sexual health is crucial.
Can Cannabis Use Improve or Worsen Erectile Function?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition affecting a man’s ability to achieve or maintain an erection, is a significant concern, particularly as men age. The study analysed the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) scores of 7,809 men and found that cannabis users had slightly higher SHIM scores than non-users. Although the difference was not substantial, it suggests that cannabis use might not worsen erectile function as much as previously feared. Additionally, the percentage of men reporting erectile problems was almost identical between cannabis users and non-users (23% vs. 22%).
What is the Impact of Cannabis on Testosterone Levels?
Testosterone, the hormone responsible for male sexual drive and other important bodily functions, is critical to understanding cannabis’s overall impact. In this study, cannabis users had slightly higher testosterone levels (13.4 nmol/L) compared to non-users (12.6 nmol/L). This finding is notable because it challenges earlier studies suggesting cannabis could lower testosterone. The results indicate that moderate cannabis use might not negatively impact testosterone levels, though more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Does Cannabis Increase Sexual Frequency?
An interesting aspect of the study was the reported frequency of sexual activity among cannabis users. On average, cannabis users reported 8.8 sexual events per month, compared to 7.8 events among non-users. This increase in sexual frequency suggests that cannabis may enhance libido, although the exact mechanisms behind this effect are still not entirely clear. It’s important to note that increased sexual frequency does not necessarily equate to better overall sexual health.
Could Cannabis Use Lead to Androgen Deficiency?
While the study highlights some potential benefits of cannabis use, it also raises concerns about androgen deficiency. Cannabis users were more likely to have a positive Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) score, with 52% of users showing signs of deficiency compared to 46% of non-users. Androgen deficiency can lead to various issues, including reduced libido, fatigue, and decreased muscle mass. This finding suggests that while cannabis might improve some aspects of sexual function, it could also lead to hormonal imbalances that affect overall health.
"While it is often believed that long-term cannabis use might negatively affect male sexual function and related metabolic factors, clinical evidence on this matter remains inconclusive."
What other studies show about Cannabis use and male sexual health?
A study involving 4,800 men with an average age of 50.8 years, who attended an andrology clinic for sexual dysfunction, provides further insights. These men were evaluated based on their habitual use of recreational substances, including cannabis.
The study found that cannabis users were generally younger and had a lower prevalence of comorbidities compared to non-users, despite reporting higher alcohol and tobacco consumption. Notably, cannabis users demonstrated better penile arterial vascular responses, as measured by penile colour Doppler ultrasound (PCDU). Moderate cannabis use could be associated with improved penile blood flow during erection, which might be beneficial for erectile function. However, this benefit does not extend to those who smoke more than two joints per week, who may not experience the same positive effect.
Moreover, cannabis users, particularly those who smoked more than two joints per week, tended to have a lower body mass index (BMI) than non-users and users of other illicit drugs. The study also revealed that recreational drug users, whether they consumed cannabis or other substances, had significantly lower levels of both total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Interestingly, prolactin levels were higher in men who smoked 1-2 joints per week and those who used other substances, but there was no observed difference in total testosterone levels between cannabis users and non-users.
These findings suggest that mild cannabis consumption might be associated with a more favourable lipid profile and better vascular health, potentially benefiting men with sexual dysfunction. However, the study also noted that cannabis use was linked to greater instability in relationships and a higher frequency of masturbation, highlighting the complex effects of cannabis on male sexual health and overall wellbeing.
What Should Men Consider Before Using Cannabis?
The studies suggest that moderate cannabis use does not have a significant negative impact on male sexual function. However, the potential for androgen deficiency and other long-term health effects should not be overlooked.
It is essential to approach cannabis use with caution, especially considering the mixed evidence regarding its impact on male sexual health. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of cannabis on testosterone levels, sexual function, and overall wellbeing.
