Could there be a link between the consumption of psychedelics and sexual function? There are anecdotal accounts and qualitative data hinting at such a relationship, but formal testing has yet to verify this. Sexual satisfaction and function, crucial elements of human well-being, can often be compromised due to mental health conditions or as an unwelcome consequence of using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), commonly prescribed for depression.
In 2024, a clinical study was undertaken by Tommaso Barba, Hannes Kettner, Caterina Radu, and others to explore the impact of consuming magic mushrooms purchased online on sexual function.
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Exploring Psilocybin
Research by Nichols, D. E. & Walter, H. has delved into the correlation of psychedelic usage with ‘hippy’ culture, noted for its peace-centric ideology and liberal sexual norms. The exploration of psychedelics was halted by the 1971 United Nations Controlled Substances Act, but recent times have seen a resurgence due to studies indicating potential mental health treatment benefits.
First, let’s gain an understanding of the historical backdrop of magic mushrooms:
| Time Period | Event |
| Prehistoric | Psychoactive mushrooms were utilized by early human predecessors as suggested by rock art dating back 6000 to 8000 years. |
| 1500 BCE | Ancient societies employed psychoactive mushrooms in spiritual rites. |
| 283-343 A.D | The ancient Chinese text “Baopuzi” by Ge Hong, details intoxicating mushrooms, including Psilocybe. |
| 900-1130 CE | Mushroom depictions in the Khajuraho Temples of India suggest their potential religious importance. |
| 16th Century | Indigenous Mesoamerican groups like the Aztecs, Mazatec, and Zapotec utilized Psilocybe mushrooms for religious ceremonies and daily life. |
| 1919 | Reko misidentified psychoactive mushrooms as “Teonanácatl.” |
| Late 1950s | Albert Hofmann isolated Psilocybin. |
| 1971 | The United Nations categorized psilocybin as an addictive substance without medicinal value. |
| Early 2022 | The Canadian government authorized doctors to prescribe psilocybin as an immediate remedy. |
| 2022 | Oregon authorizes the use of psilocybin for adults. |
Can Psilocybin Impact Sexual Performance?
Psychedelics, when combined with therapy, can enable therapeutic experiences like emotional release and mental breakthroughs. In certain cases, psilocybin therapy for anxiety and depression has shown better results than SSRIs such as escitalopram.
Major depressive disorder, a primary source of disability, is marked by severe low mood and diminished pleasure. Although not a key symptom, sexual dysfunction often accompanies depression, affecting desire and arousal. SSRIs, a typical depression treatment, can exacerbate sexual dysfunction, thereby influencing treatment compliance and recovery. Sexual satisfaction plays a significant role in overall contentment, relationships, and physical health.
Research indicates that psychedelics may positively affect sexual thoughts and actions, fostering empathy and openness. Psychedelics have been linked to increased mindfulness, empathy, body acceptance, and willingness to try new experiences, all of which could shape sexual perspectives.
Potential Influence of Psychedelics on Sexual Function
Psychedelics can impact sexual functioning. Sexual activity involves both physical and emotional components. Dr. Michele Leno, a licensed psychologist with Medical News, emphasizes the importance of mental states preceding sexual activity.
Feeling self-conscious about one’s sexual performance is a common issue. While certain types of magic mushrooms available online may lessen anxiety, others, in the same vein as alcohol, could detrimentally affect sexual performance. Studies suggest that individuals who microdose magic mushrooms experience less inhibition and more relaxation, without sacrificing performance.
As per Dr. Hellerstein, consuming magic mushrooms can enhance social bonds, reduce self-centered thoughts, and potentially stimulate brain flexibility and empathy. These effects might explain some of the observed outcomes.
Despite the considerable anticipation around psychedelic treatment, executing blind studies remains difficult. Clinical psychologist Dr. Carla Manly proposes that consuming whole mushrooms could appeal to those seeking altered consciousness states, potentially enriching sexual experiences.
While some individuals favor natural experiences, others claim to feel less restrained and more open when using magic mushrooms bought online. From a neurobiological perspective, psilocybin, a psychedelic compound frequently utilized, shows parallels to certain brain imaging studies while under anesthesia.
What Does the Most Recent Research Suggest?
In 2024, a study led by Tommaso Barba, Hannes Kettner, Caterina Radu, among others, explored the impact of psychedelic substances on sexual function and satisfaction through two distinct research undertakings:
- The initial study explored the use of psychedelics for recreational and wellness purposes, as determined by an observational survey.
- The second study examined the influence on patients diagnosed with depression, as part of a regulated clinical trial.
Findings from the Recreational Use Study
- After using psychedelics, participants reported improved partner communication, amplified sexual pleasure, and heightened satisfaction with their partners and self-image.
- Increased willingness for sexual exploration and perceiving sex as a more spiritual experience were also noted.
These effects remained noticeable at both the 4-week and 6-month check-ins following the psychedelic experience. The only noticeable gender difference pertained to partner satisfaction at the 6-month follow-up.
Outcome from the Regulated Clinical Trial with Depressed Patients
Similar enhancements were exhibited by depressed patients who participated in psilocybin therapy.
- Enhanced partner communication, increased sexual pleasure, and heightened satisfaction with both themselves and their partners were reported. On the other hand, patients treated with escitalopram only experienced improvements in self-image satisfaction, with no other changes observed.
- Compared to those treated with escitalopram, patients who were administered psilocybin also demonstrated an upturn in sexual interest, activity, and arousal.
- Anxiety related to sexual activity subsided for patients who underwent psilocybin treatment, whereas it escalated for those treated with escitalopram.
Important: The outcomes suggest that these psychoactive substances could positively affect sexual functionality and well-being. The differences identified between the impacts of psilocybin and escitalopram may be due to their distinct ways of addressing depression. SSRIs like escitalopram could possibly lead to sexual dysfunction as a side effect. to their influence on serotonin levels, whereas psilocybin microdosing has a direct impact on serotonin receptors. More research is necessary to comprehensively comprehend how these mushroom species immediately affect sexual functionality.
Purchasing Psilocybin Mushrooms Online
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do the Effects of Psilocybin Last?
Psilocybin’s psychedelic effects generally persist for approximately 4 to 8 hours. However, this duration can vary based on factors such as the dosage taken and the specific type of mushroom consumed. An experiment involving 18 participants indicated that the effects usually subside around the seven-hour mark. The first noticeable physiological effects appeared after about two hours, reaching their peak intensity after three hours.
However, further studies are needed to fully comprehend how stress and metabolism impact these effects. Many research studies, like this one, adjust the dosage to match the participant’s body weight, assuming the psilocybin is evenly distributed throughout the body.
How Does Psilocin Affect the Brain?
Approximately 30 minutes after ingestion, psilocin reaches the brain and mainly affects the serotoninergic system, simulating the role of serotonin. As a neurotransmitter, serotonin plays various roles in the brain, such as facilitating learning, memory, and mood regulation.
The cerebral cortex, which houses most serotonin receptors, is a primary target of psilocin. It binds to certain receptors, including 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT1A, all of which interact with serotonin. The impact of psilocybin extends beyond serotonin receptors, altering brain connectivity as evidenced by functional MRI scans.
Functional MRI scans reveal a decrease in blood flow and connectivity between areas of the brain such as the medial prefrontal cortex and the posterior cingulate cortex. This reduction in central activity is thought to promote a more unfettered cognitive state. Additionally, psychedelics induce a state of entropy in the brain, characterized by increased disorder yet enhanced overall connectivity.
How Does the Liver Process Psilocybin?
- After ingesting psilocybin, it gets absorbed into your bloodstream through your stomach and intestines.
- Chewing magic mushrooms thoroughly can enhance this absorption process.
- Once in the bloodstream, it travels to the liver via the hepatic portal vein, where a significant part of the metabolic process occurs.
- Magic mushrooms and truffles are high in psilocin, the active component. When naturally consumed, they already contain a significant amount of psilocin. is converted to within the human body.
A key liver function, known as the ‘first pass effect,’ sees around half of the psilocybin lost during absorption before it can reach the bloodstream. This also occurs with substances such as alcohol and cannabis, with unpredictable variations between individuals due to elements like stress and physical activity. Research suggests that only around 20% of psilocybin is likely to be converted into psilocin.
How Can Sexual Function Be Improved Without Drugs or Psychedelics?
Improving sexual function without the use of drugs or psychedelics is certainly possible. Here are some strategies:
- Address any sexual anxiety through therapy or self-reflection.
- If medications are negatively impacting your sexual desire, consider discussing alternative options with your prescriber.
- Use role-play with your partner to gradually become comfortable with sexual activities.
- Explore your sexual attitudes through journaling or psychotherapeutic approaches.
- Enhance sexual performance and intimacy with natural supplements, personal growth, and couples counseling.
About the Authors:
- Barba, T., Kettner, H., Radu, C. et al. Psychedelics and sexual functioning: a mixed-methods study. Sci Rep 14, 2181 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-49817-4
- Nichols, D. E. & Walter, H. The historical role of psychedelics in psychiatry. Pharmacopsychiatry 54(04), 151–166 (2021).
- Dr. Michele Leno & Dr. Hellerstein: Vogel, K. Psychedelics may enhance sexual function for up to 6 months. Medical News Today. (2024). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychedelics-psilocybin-lsd-help-improve-sexual-function
More About the Authors
Tommaso Barba, Hannes Kettner, Caterina Radu, Joseph M. Peill, Leor Roseman, David J. Nutt, David Erritzoe, Robin Carhart-Harris & Bruna Giribaldi
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