Does Meth Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Short-Term Meth Sexual Effects on Men

Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug when used recreationally and illegally. Specifically, homemade meth and crystal meth can be particularly hazardous. That being said, methamphetamine is known to have numerous adverse effects on your mental and physical health, like many other illicit drugs. However, one of the lesser talked-about side effects of meth use is the meth sexual effects, or how it impacts your sex habits and sexual behavior.

One short-term meth sexual effects on men are boost in sexual pleasure. This can be attributed primarily to the fact that meth is a stimulant drug. As your body becomes more sensitive to stimulation and your brain receives a flood of neurotransmitters like dopamine, you may feel euphoric, which can carry into sex. As a result, most men report a more enjoyable sexual experience when they first use meth. Some meth users find that, at first, the drug enhances sex. But over time, meth’s sexual effects can be very damaging.+

The powerful effects of meth on sex may play a vital role in addiction. Meth users enjoy more pleasurable sex and orgasms, encouraging them to continue using the drug. But the meth’s pleasurable effects on sex quickly lose their power. Meth may temporarily help with sexual problems. It also increases sexual appetite and may inspire the user to pursue high-risk sex.

While meth feeds the ravenous appetite for sex in the brain, it unfortunately often induces erectile dysfunction, and the endless bombardment of erotic thoughts and pictures eventually dulls one’s desire to genuinely experience sexual arousal. This explains the use of meth and Viagra, especially during sexual marathons. Some meth users also perform booty bumping meth. It is used to describe inserting meth into the rectum. 

To understand how meth causes erectile dysfunction, we have to know how an erection works. An erection forms in the brain. An individual’s thoughts and the things they hear, smell, taste, or touch can trigger nerves to send chemical messages to the blood vessels in their penis. The arteries in this area then relax, opening up blood flow. At the same time, the veins close up, trapping the blood and creating an erection.

Because this forms in the brain, using a drug that affects brain function, chemical balance, and nerve signaling can make getting and holding an erection more difficult. Sex isn’t just physical, it’s also behavioral and emotional. When an individual uses a drug like meth, which can impair judgment and cause addiction, sexual intercourse can eventually be difficult.

In addition to impotence, other meth sexual effects on males are connected to relationship problems. Meth can also affect a person’s sex life by impacting their relationships. Not only as a result of impotence but also from the other adverse physical side effects of meth, such as skin sores and tooth decay (meth mouth). These physical transformations can make it more difficult to find a willing partner. They can also damage the meth user’s self-esteem and further deteriorate the quality of sex life.

• Decreased libido 
• Infertility
• Erectile dysfunction 
• Delayed, weak, or nonexistent orgasms 

• Less pleasurable sex 
• Sexually aggressive behavior 
• Trouble getting aroused 

Meth should never be used to enhance sexual performance or for any other reason. This illicit drug is dangerous, addictive, and deadly. Not only can it affect your sex life, but it can also contribute to mental illness and cause other problems like cardiovascular disease, skin disease, and overdose.

Using meth damages glands and blood vessels that help maintain an erection. Each hit of the drug damages the kidneys and liver, impeding the organs from removing the toxins from the body. With more of the drug present in the body, the brain receives a flurry of serotonin and dopamine. Once the user comes off of the drugs, the brain experiences a decrease in sensitivity and focus while testosterone levels decline that causing an estrogen surplus. With more estrogen present, the body cannot gain or maintain a proper erection.

Positive Meth Sexual Effects

Many people with methamphetamine addiction started using the drug because they sought its positive sexual effects. These meth sexual effects include:

• Increased libido
• Stronger orgasms
• Increased sexual pleasure
• The ability of men to last longer
• increased feelings of sexual power and agency in women

Negative Meth Sexual Effects

Along with risky sexual behaviors, long-term use of this drug can lead to meth sexual effects like:

• Delayed or weak orgasms
• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fertility issues

Medication-Assisted Treatments

Medication-Assisted Treatments (MAT) for substance use disorders and mental health disorders are commonly used in conjunction with one another. This includes the use of medications and other medical procedures. During your rehab, the staff from your treatment facility will help you identify what caused your addiction and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction. Sometimes, the pressures and problems in your life lead you to rely on substances to help you forget about them momentarily.

Does meth cause erectile dysfunction? Yes, it does. But please, do not try to detox on your own. The detox process can be painful and difficult without medical assistance. However, getting through the detox process is crucial for continued treatment. We Level Up provide proper care with round-the-clock medical staff to medically assist your recovery. So, reclaim your life, and call us to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our counselors know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.