For most people, some form of sexual activity, be it masturbation or sex with a partner, is an important and healthy part of their life. While orgasms are not necessarily seen as the only goal of having sex, most people do enjoy having one, as they serve an important purpose for both men and women. However, male and female orgasms are quite different, particularly when it comes to CBD and orgasms.
Female orgasms can be quite complex. There is often too much attention given to having an orgasm through vaginal penetration. Some women are more focused on that feeling of happiness and fulfilment when they orgasm, even if it is from other forms of penetration. Vaginal orgasms can actually be pretty hard to achieve with only about 25% of women being able to have frequent orgasms through vaginal penetration (1). Most women would need clitoral stimulation or a combination of the two. However, the inability to have vaginal orgasms can lead to stress and performance pressure for a lot of women.
Orgasms for women can have multiple benefits. From a body functioning point of view, it can improve bladder control, relieve menstrual cramps, improve fertility and protect against endometriosis, among other benefits. It also helps improve mental health and has important psychological and emotional benefits. Reduced stress and anxiety, increased trust and intimacy with a partner, boost of confidence and better relationships, are some of the many benefits.
Unless you have been living under a rock, you most likely have seen the explosion in popularity of CBD or Cannabidiol oil! Having gained recognition as alternative medicine in recent years, a lot of countries are now approving the use of medicinal CBD oil as a treatment component for various medical conditions. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis that does not produce euphoric effects. CBD oil has certainly worked its charm and has had multiple positive benefits including reduced inflammation, anxiety and seizures & improved sleep.
With the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) in Australia allowing for the use of medicinal CBD, it is now used as a part of the treatment for a myriad of health conditions including cancer, autism, epilepsy and PTSD, among others.
Worldwide CBD is also used in a variety of health-related industries and everyday products, including spas, beauty products and yoga studios. However, one area that has most certainly been unexplored is the effect of CBD on sex life, especially for women. Currently, there are thousands of products available that contain CBD and are explicitly targeting the sex industry. The market is flooded with lubricants, gels, capsules, gummies and oils, among others, all containing CBD and marketed to boost your sex life and bedroom wellness. But the question comes to how exactly does CBD help in the bedroom, especially for women who can find it more difficult to climax?
Pain during sex is quite common, unfortunately. Over 40% of women encounter pain and for some it is a sign of a physical problem and for others a result of emotional factors (2). Irrespective of source, heightened pain during sex can discourage a lot of women from having sex or make it an experience that they truly do not enjoy. Medically, this condition is termed ‘Dyspareunia’. Simply put, it is a persistent or recurring pain in the genitals that occurs before, during or after sexual encounters.
The endocannabinoid system, which involves endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid receptors, is what signals pain.
Well, CBD oil alters the chemical structure of the endocannabinoid receptors. Once altered, it results in decreased pain and an increased sense of relief. To maximise benefits, taking around 33 mg of CBD oil before having sex can work wonders! Its calming and relaxing properties are sure to help women have a pleasurable and enjoyable sexual experience.
We all are quite aware of the negatives that anxiety can have on our daily life. Increased anxiety can make even the most enjoyable and pleasurable activities a nightmare. Sex is a beautiful experience; emotionally, mentally, and physically! But it is definitely best experienced when one is truly relaxed. Anxiety in general and anxiety about sex can not only affect performance and the ability to orgasm but also prevent many women from getting into the ‘mood’ for sex.
Reduced anxiety and enhanced sexual performance are a result of an increase in your brain’s sensitivity to serotonin and a reduction in cortisol. Both an effect of taking CBD oil. Cortisol, a steroid hormone, also known as the stress hormone, reduces one’s libido. More about that later! For best results, take CBD about 30 minutes to an hour before sexual activity. This gives it enough time to enter your bloodstream and work its magic.
For a great sex life, orgasms are seen as a must! Increased stress and anxiety can often be a barrier to female orgasms. For many couples, this can be a disappointment and can lead to stress and tension within one’s intimate relationship. For women, an inability to have vaginal orgasms can lead to pressure and discomfort. CBD Oil is often seen as a ‘rescue remedy’ in such situations. CBD and orgasms go hand in hand.
A 2019 study looked into the effects of cannabis extracts on female orgasms. The findings were that female orgasms increased in duration and intensity when CBD oil was administered. The aim of the study was to evaluate women’s perceptions on the use of cannabis before sexual activities. There were 2 primary outcomes: understanding satisfaction in sexual activities when it comes to drive, orgasms, lubrication, dyspareunia & overall experience; & evaluating the effect of frequency of use of cannabis on satisfaction levels. The 373 participants filled out a questionnaire to facilitate a better understanding of their experience.
Out of those who were part of the study, approximately 34% (i.e. 127 women) reported using cannabis prior to engaging in sexual activities. Most women who participated in this study definitely felt an increase in sex drive, improved orgasms and a decrease in pain. However, with regards to lubrication, many did not feel any change. For women who used cannabis prior to sex vs those who didn’t, the former had 2.13 times higher odds of reporting satisfactory orgasms. The results were adjusted for race and age & the outcome was that women who used cannabis frequently had 2.10 times higher odds of experiencing satisfactory orgasms than those who weren’t frequent users (this stands true regardless of the use of cannabis prior to having sex or not).
CBD is a vasodilator. Vasodilators are medications that dilate your blood vessels, allowing for enhanced and easier blood flow through your vessels. This allows for blood to rush more easily to your sexual organs, therefore, increasing nerve sensation around them. And since CBD oil also helps with stress and anxiety, taking it will help women be more at ease and enjoy sex and the various other orgasms they can have, instead of focusing on the one they cannot.
For great and mind-blowing sex, high energy levels and a great sex drive are quite important. The stress hormone ‘Cortisol’ is a culprit in such situations as it reduces your libido. This is especially applicable to women only, particularly those out there who suffer from sexual performance anxiety.
CBD triggers the serotonin receptor and reduces cortisol. Hence, activating the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). This makes women calmer and sensually receptive. Ultimately, CBD increases sexual arousal and helps women get in the “mood”! A sensual massage using body lotions or oils containing CBD can be great to get things started!
Female orgasms and sex are very personal. Everyone out there has different definitions of what feels good and the kind of orgasms they prefer. Overall, CBD oil helps women and even men have a better sexual experience by tackling barriers of anxiety, stress and pain. A lot of products containing CBD are now available but it is important to know not every product works the same for everyone!
(2) https://www.cbsnews.com/news/many-women-dont-realize-painful-sex-is-common-treatable-condition/
Stay up to date with medicinal CBD and alternative medicine in Australia.
