Could psychedelics influence sexual performance? While there are informal reports and qualitative data implying a correlation, there has not been any systematic research to validate this claim. Sexual satisfaction and performance, which are crucial to overall human health, can often be compromised by mental health issues or as a side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—a popular treatment for depression.
In 2024, a scientific study was undertaken by Tommaso Barba, Hannes Kettner, Caterina Radu, and others to examine the impact of consuming magic mushrooms online on sexual function.
[toc]
Exploring Psilocybin
A study conducted by Nichols, D. E. & Walter, H. has investigated the correlation of psychedelic usage with the ‘hippy’ culture, renowned for its pacifist stance and liberal sexual ethics. Psychedelic research was hindered by the 1971 United Nations Controlled Substances Act, but recently there’s been a resurgence with research demonstrating potential advantages in treating mental health.
Let’s start by gaining insights into the historical background of magic mushrooms:
| Historical Era | Occurrence |
| Prehistory | Psychoactive mushrooms were consumed by early human forebears, as indicated by rock drawings from 6000 to 8000 years ago. |
| 1500 BCE | Ancient societies utilized psychoactive mushrooms in spiritual ceremonies. |
| 283-343 A.D | The ancient Chinese text “Baopuzi” by Ge Hong details the use of intoxicating mushrooms, including Psilocybe. |
| 900-1130 CE | Mushrooms were represented in Khajuraho Temples of India, suggesting their potential religious importance. |
| 16th Century | Native Mesoamerican groups like the Aztecs, Mazatec, and Zapotec employed Psilocybe mushrooms in religious rituals and for everyday use. |
| 1919 | Reko inaccurately identified psychoactive mushrooms as “Teonanácatl.” |
| Late 1950s | Albert Hofmann isolated Psilocybin. |
| 1971 | The United Nations categorized psilocybin as a habit-forming substance with no therapeutic value. |
| Early 2022 | The Canadian government allowed physicians to prescribe psilocybin as an emergency treatment. |
| 2022 | Oregon has legalized psilocybin for use by adults. |
Can Psilocybin Influence Sexual Function?
Psychedelics, when used alongside therapy, can facilitate therapeutic experiences such as emotional release and psychological insights. There have been cases where psilocybin therapy for anxiety and depression has shown better results than SSRIs like escitalopram.
Major depressive disorder, a significant cause of disability, is marked by extremely low mood and diminished pleasure. While not a primary symptom, sexual dysfunction often accompanies depression, affecting desire and arousal. SSRIs, a widely used treatment for depression, can exacerbate sexual dysfunction, thus affecting treatment compliance and recovery. Sexual satisfaction plays a role in overall happiness, relationships, and physical health.
There is evidence that suggests that psychedelics may positively affect sexual feelings and behaviors, enhancing empathy and openness. They are linked with increased mindfulness, empathy, body positivity, and openness to new experiences, all of which could shape sexual attitudes.
Potential Influence of Psychedelics on Sexual Functioning
Psychedelics can have an effect on sexual functioning. Sexual activity involves physical and emotional impacts. Dr. Michele Leno, a licensed psychologist with Medical News, emphasizes the importance of mental states leading up to sexual activity.
Sexual self-consciousness is a frequent issue. While some types of magic mushrooms available online can alleviate anxiety, others, like alcohol, may adversely affect sexual performance. Studies show that individuals who microdose magic mushrooms experience less inhibitions and increased relaxation, without hampering performance.
Dr. Hellerstein suggests that consuming magic mushrooms can strengthen social connections, reduce self-centered thoughts, and possibly enhance brain plasticity and empathy. These effects could help explain some of the observed results.
Despite high hopes for psychedelic treatment, executing blind studies remains difficult. Clinical psychologist Dr. Carla Manly proposes that consuming whole mushrooms might appeal to those seeking altered states of consciousness, which could potentially improve sexual experiences.
While some individuals lean towards natural experiences, others report feeling less restrained and more expansive when using magic mushrooms purchased online. From a neurobiological standpoint, psilocybin, a psychedelic compound often used, shows similarities to certain brain imaging studies under anesthesia.
What Does Recent Research Suggest?
In 2024, a study led by Tommaso Barba, Hannes Kettner, Caterina Radu, among others, delved into the effects of psychedelic substances on sexual functionality and satisfaction. Their investigation involved two distinct research approaches:
- The first approach examined the recreational and wellness use of psychedelics (an observational survey).
- The second approach explored the impact on patients diagnosed with depression (a controlled clinical trial).
Insights from the Recreational Use Study
- Participants reported improved partner communication, increased sexual enjoyment, and enhanced satisfaction with their partners and their own physical appearance following psychedelic use.
- There was also a noted increase in openness towards sexual experimentation and viewing sex as a more spiritual experience.
These effects remained noticeable 4 weeks and 6 months after the psychedelic experience. The only gender-related difference observed was in partner satisfaction at the 6-month point.
Outcome of the Controlled Clinical Trial on Depressed Patients
Depressed patients treated with psilocybin therapy exhibited similar improvements.
- Enhanced partner communication, increased sexual pleasure, and improved self and partner satisfaction were reported. However, patients treated with escitalopram only showed improvements in their perception of their physical appearance, with no other changes noticed.
- Patients undergoing psilocybin treatment also reported increased sexual interest, activity, and arousal, compared to those treated with escitalopram.
- Anxiety related to sexual activity decreased in patients treated with psilocybin but increased in those treated with escitalopram.
Important Note: The findings suggest that these psychoactive compounds could potentially enhance sexual functionality and well-being. The varying effects of psilocybin and escitalopram could be due to their distinct methods of addressing depression. SSRIs like escitalopram might cause sexual dysfunction due It’s known that serotonin levels can be influenced by both psilocybin and magic mushrooms, with the latter directly impacting serotonin receptors. A comprehensive understanding of how these mushroom species immediately affect sexual functionality requires additional research. The belief is that sexual satisfaction may be improved by consuming superior quality magic mushrooms. This includes traditional types such as psychedelic mushrooms, mushroom edibles, mushroom tea, microdosing capsules, LSD, and DMT. Here are some excellent magic mushroom products you might want to explore: If you’re seeking shrooms online in Canada, consider Shrooms Edibles Online Canada Canada. We offer a wide variety of high-quality magic mushrooms tailored to your needs. Our online platform ensures easy shroom delivery. Whether you’re exploring the therapeutic benefits of microdosing magic mushrooms or setting off on an intense psychedelic journey, you can trust our range of psilocybin-rich mushrooms. All our products are responsibly sourced and rigorously tested by Health Canada to ensure their safety and effectiveness for your mental wellness. We offer a wide range of products from mushroom edibles to magic mushroom tea, all designed to enhance your spiritual and therapeutic experiences. Buy magic mushrooms online from Shrooms Edibles Online Canada. Psilocybin’s psychedelic effects typically persist for 4 to 8 hours. However, the duration can vary based on factors such as dosage and mushroom type.Online Availability of Psilocybin Mushrooms
Product Name Zenly LSD Gel Tabs Zenly LSD Gummies Albino Penis Envy Type Microdosing Capsules Edibles Magic Mushroom Active Ingredient Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD-25) Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD-25) Psilocybe cubensis (magic mushroom) Dosage Total 600ug/6 Tabs (100ug/Tab) Total 200ug/2 Gummies (100ug/Gummy) 1 to 1.5 grams Instructions Consume one full tab and wait at least 2 hours before taking another for the complete effect. For the full effect, consume one entire gummy and wait at least 2 hours before taking another. For an optimal experience, consume 1 to 1.5 grams of dried magic mushrooms in a comfortable environment. Keep yourself well-hydrated throughout the experience. Improve Your Sexual Performance with Online Shroom Purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do the Effects of Psilocybin Last?
Still, additional research is needed to fully comprehend the role of aspects like stress and metabolism. Many studies, such as this one, adjust the dosage based on the participant’s body weight, assuming an equal distribution of psilocybin throughout the body.
How Does Psilocin Affect the Brain?
Psilocin reaches the brain within roughly 30 minutes and mainly affects the serotoninergic system, simulating the function of serotonin. Serotonin, as a neurotransmitter, has diverse roles in the brain, including aiding learning, memory, and mood regulation.
The cerebral cortex contains most serotonin receptors, which are targeted by psilocin, including 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT1A. These receptors interact with serotonin. Psilocybin’s effects extend beyond serotonin receptors, influencing brain connectivity as demonstrated in 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 reduced activity in core regions is thought to promote an unbridled cognitive state. Moreover, psychedelics induce an entropic brain state marked by increased disorder yet improved overall connectivity.
How Does the Liver Metabolize Psilocybin?
- After ingesting psilocybin, it enters your bloodstream through your stomach and intestines.
- Thorough mastication of magic mushrooms can enhance absorption.
- Once in the bloodstream, it travels to your liver via the hepatic portal vein where much of the metabolism occurs.
- Psilocin, the active ingredient, is abundant in magic mushrooms and truffles. When consumed naturally, they already contain a significant amount of this compound. contain psilocin, a substance our bodies transform psilocybin into.
Another important liver function is the ‘first pass effect.’ In this process, about 50% of psilocybin is lost during absorption before it enters the bloodstream. This phenomenon is also observed with alcohol and cannabis, the extent varying from person to person due to factors like stress and physical activity levels. Some studies suggest that only around 20% of psilocybin is likely to convert into psilocin.
How to Improve Sexual Function Without Resorting to Drugs or Psychedelics?
Enhancing sexual function without the use of drugs or psychedelics is certainly possible. Here are a few suggestions:
- Address any sexual anxieties through therapy or self-reflection.
- If medications are suppressing your sexual drive, consider exploring alternatives with your prescribing healthcare professional.
- Gradually become comfortable with sexual activities by engaging in role-play with your partner.
- Explore your sexual notions through journaling or psychotherapeutic techniques.
- Enhance sexual function and intimacy via natural supplements, personal growth, and couples therapy.
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 significance of psychedelics in the history of psychiatry. Pharmacopsychiatry 54(04), 151–166 (2021).
- Dr. Michele Leno & Dr. Hellerstein: Vogel, K. Psychedelics could prolong sexual function for up to 6 months. Medical News Today. (2024). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/psychedelics-psilocybin-lsd-help-improve-sexual-function
Additional Information About the Authors
Tommaso Barba, Hannes Kettner, Caterina Radu, Joseph M. Peill, Leor Roseman, David J. Nutt, David Erritzoe, Robin Carhart-Harris & Bruna Giribaldi
Related Articles:
