Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED, is more common than many people think. About 52% of men between 40 and 70 years suffer from it. In the United States alone, it affects approximately 30 million men. With these numbers, there is no doubt that it is a profitable opportunity for many pharmaceutical companies. Yet, many of these prescribed medications come with a price more costly than money: negative side effects. For this reason, more and more people are seeking natural alternatives to treat ED, and, among those alternatives, is CBD. So, the question arises: is CBD effective for helping with erectile dysfunction?

Before we answer this question, it’s paramount to understand what ED is and what causes it. 

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is when a man is not able to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. As mentioned above, it is a much more common issue than many people think, affecting about half of the male population at some point in their lives. Although it is not an indicator of a serious health issue (in most cases), it does affect a person’s self-esteem and sexual performance. 

The causes of ED vary significantly. Some health conditions that are common causes of ED are diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease, among others. Furthermore, there are some psychological factors or conditions that can also lead to erectile dysfunction. Anxiety, stress, depression, and even lack of self-confidence are common causes of ED. That’s where CBD comes into play.

How Does CBD Help with ED?

As we’ve discussed in previous articles, the benefits of CBD are innumerable and ED is no exception. However, because CBD was, until not long ago, illegal and somewhat taboo, not much research is available. Fortunately,  it is now legal across all states, which means researchers no longer face the same obstacles that they did in the past. Moreover, it is much easier to get funding for these types of research studies now that CBD is legal and the taboo around it has subsided.

Although there isn’t currently enough research on the relationship between CBD and ED, there is anecdotal evidence that suggests CBD can help. For example, one of the most important factors for an erection is blood flow: the stronger the blood flow, the better an erection will be. A study from JCI found that CBD can help reduce blood pressure, which helps to improve blood flow. However, this study did not focus on the arteries in the penis or pelvic area but on those that lead to the heart. That’s not to say that CBD does not help with blood pressure in the penis and pelvis area, but it has yet to be clinically proven. 

It has also been suggested that CBD helps lower cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that has a significant influence on testosterone, which is the hormone that plays the biggest role in a man’s sex drive.

Moreover, CBD shows to be more effective in helping with erectile dysfunction when it is caused by psychological factors. This is especially promising since ED-prescribed medications fall short when the causes are linked to psychological reasons. CBD helps reduce anxiety and stress, helps with depression, and improves a person’s quality of sleep, among many other conditions that can lead to ED. 

How to Use CBD Oil for Erectile Dysfunction?

There is a wide variety of CBD products that can help with ED; ultimately, it comes to personal preferences. Some ways in which people can consume it are edibles, vaporizers, creams, and oils. CBD oil offers the most versatility as there are many ways that consumers can incorporate it into their everyday routine. By reducing the user’s anxiety and stress, it helps to resolve the underlying cause of the ED. 

Are There Any Side Effects of Taking CBD for ED?

If you are taking any prescribed medications, it is important that you consult with your doctor before taking CBD. Although the chances are low, there can be negative interactions and the desired effects of the medication may be compromised. Other side effects, although mild, can include dry mouth or fatigue. 

Final Thoughts

Erectile dysfunction may be caused by a myriad of reasons. Although there is no conclusive research yet, anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD can help with the underlying causes of ED. Furthermore, treating erectile dysfunction with CBD can be more promising when the causes are psychological rather than physical since prescribed medications fall short in these cases. If you’ve experienced erectile dysfunction and want to try treating your condition with CBD, check out our CBD oils.