Is there a link between psychedelic use and sexual function? While there are anecdotal stories and qualitative data that suggest a relationship, there has yet to be any formal scientific investigation to conclusively prove this. Sexual satisfaction and functionality, both crucial for human wellness, may be negatively impacted by mental health issues or as a side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are frequently prescribed for depression.
In 2024, a clinical study was conducted by Tommaso Barba, Hannes Kettner, Caterina Radu, among others, examining the potential impact of ingesting magic mushrooms purchased online on sexual functionality.
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Exploring Psilocybin
Research by Nichols, D. E. & Walter, H. has examined the connection between psychedelic use and the ‘hippy’ culture, known for its peace-promoting stance and open sexual values. The exploration of psychedelics was hindered by the 1971 United Nations Controlled Substances Act. However, recent times have seen a resurgence, with studies indicating potential advantages for mental health treatment.
Let’s start with the historical background of magic mushrooms:
| Time Period | Event |
| Prehistoric | Rock drawings dating back 6000 to 8000 years suggest that early human ancestors used psychoactive mushrooms. |
| 1500 BCE | Ancient societies used psychoactive mushrooms in religious ceremonies. |
| 283-343 A.D | The ancient Chinese text “Baopuzi” by Ge Hong described the use of intoxicating mushrooms, including Psilocybe. |
| 900-1130 CE | Depictions of mushrooms in the Khajuraho Temples of India suggest their potential religious importance. |
| 16th Century | Native Mesoamerican cultures like the Aztecs, Mazatec, and Zapotec used Psilocybe mushrooms in religious rituals and everyday life. |
| 1919 | Reko misidentified psychoactive mushrooms as “Teonanácatl.” |
| Late 1950s | Albert Hofmann successfully isolated Psilocybin. |
| 1971 | The United Nations categorized psilocybin as an addictive substance lacking medicinal value. |
| Early 2022 | The Canadian government allowed physicians to prescribe psilocybin serves as an emergency treatment. |
| 2022 | Psilocybin gets legalized in Oregon for adult use. |
Can Psilocybin Influence Sexual Function?
Psychedelics, when used in conjunction with therapy, can foster therapeutic experiences such as emotional release and psychological insights. In certain cases, psilocybin therapy for anxiety and depression has shown more effective results compared to SSRIs like escitalopram.
Major depressive disorder, a primary cause of disability, is marked by extremely low mood and diminished pleasure. Sexual dysfunction, though not a primary symptom, often accompanies depression, affecting arousal and libido. SSRIs, a common depression treatment, can exacerbate sexual dysfunction, influencing treatment adherence and recovery. Sexual satisfaction plays a significant role in overall happiness, relationships, and physical health.
Studies indicate that psychedelics might positively affect sexual feelings and behaviors, fostering empathy and openness. Psychedelics have been linked with increased mindfulness, empathy, body positivity, and openness to new experiences, all likely to shape sexual attitudes.
Potential Influence of Psychedelics on Sexual Functioning
Psychedelics can affect sexual functioning. Sexual activity has both physical and emotional impacts. Dr. Michele Leno, a licensed psychologist with Medical News, emphasizes the importance of mental states before engaging in sexual activity.
Sexual self-consciousness is a common problem. While some types of magic mushrooms available online can reduce anxiety, others, like alcohol, may adversely affect sexual performance. Research suggests that individuals who microdose magic mushrooms experience less inhibition and increased relaxation, without affecting performance.
As per Dr. Hellerstein, magic mushroom consumption can enhance social connections, reduce self-centric thoughts, and potentially stimulate brain plasticity and empathy. These effects could explain some of the observed outcomes.
Despite the high hopes attached to psychedelic treatment, executing blind studies remains a challenge. Clinical psychologist Dr. Carla Manly proposes that whole mushroom consumption might appeal to those seeking altered states of consciousness, possibly improving sexual experiences.
While some people favor natural experiences, others report feeling more uninhibited and expansive when using magic mushrooms bought online. From a neurobiological standpoint, psilocybin,
The psychedelic compound in question shows resemblances to certain brain imaging studies conducted under anesthesia.
What Does Recent Research Suggest?
In 2024, Tommaso Barba, Hannes Kettner, Caterina Radu, and their colleagues carried out a study that explored the effects of psychedelic substances on sexual performance and satisfaction in two different studies:
- The first study examined the use of psychedelics for recreational and wellness purposes (an observational survey).
- The second study centered on the impact on patients diagnosed with depression (a controlled clinical trial).
Insights from the Recreational Use Study
- Participants noted improved partner communication, increased sexual pleasure, and enhanced satisfaction with their partners and their self-image after psychedelic use.
- They also displayed increased willingness towards sexual exploration and a more spiritual perception of sex.
The aforementioned effects persisted 4 weeks and 6 months post-psychedelic experience. The only gender-related difference recorded was in partner satisfaction at the 6-month checkpoint.
Outcomes from the Controlled Clinical Trial with Depression Patients
Depressed patients who underwent psilocybin therapy indicated similar improvements.
- Enhanced partner communication, increased sexual pleasure, and improved self and partner satisfaction were reported. However, patients who received escitalopram treatment only noted improvements in self-image satisfaction, with no other changes detectable.
- Psilocybin-treated patients also showed a boost in sexual interest, activity, and arousal, unlike those treated with escitalopram.
- Anxiety associated with sexual activity was reduced in psilocybin-treated patients but escalated in those treated with escitalopram.
Note: The findings indicate that these psychoactive substances could positively affect sexual performance and well-being. The varying effects of psilocybin and escitalopram could be due to their distinct ways of treating depression. SSRIs like escitalopram might cause sexual dysfunction due Both psilocybin and psilocin play a role in influencing serotonin levels, while psilocybin microdosing directly interacts with serotonin receptors. To fully comprehend the immediate effects of these mushroom species on sexual functionality, further research is indispensable.Online Availability of Psilocybin Mushrooms
