Can the use of psychedelics influence sexual function? Though there’s anecdotal and qualitative evidence hinting at a potential correlation, no formal studies have been conducted to substantiate this claim. It’s important to note that sexual satisfaction and function, crucial for human well-being, can often be adversely impacted by mental health disorders or the side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—a common treatment for depression.
A clinical study was spearheaded by Tommaso Barba, Hannes Kettner, Caterina Radu, among others, in 2024. The focus of the study was to explore the impact of consuming magic mushrooms online on sexual functioning.
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Understanding Psilocybin
Studies led by Nichols, D. E. & Walter, H. have examined the correlation between psychedelic use and the ‘hippy’ culture, renowned for its pacifist stance and liberal sexual attitudes. The exploration of psychedelics was stunted by the 1971 United Nations Controlled Substances Act; however, recent years have seen a resurgence with research revealing potential mental health benefits.
Let’s start by delving into the historical backdrop of magic mushrooms:
| Time Period | Event |
| Prehistoric | Rock drawings dating back 6000 to 8000 years suggest the use of psychoactive mushrooms by early human ancestors. |
| 1500 BCE | Ancient civilizations incorporated psychoactive mushrooms into spiritual rituals. |
| 283-343 A.D | Ge Hong’s ancient Chinese text “Baopuzi” described the use of intoxicating mushrooms, including Psilocybe. |
| 900-1130 CE | Depictions of mushrooms in India’s Khajuraho Temples suggest their potential religious importance. |
| 16th Century | Indigenous Mesoamerican cultures 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 a substance prone to abuse with no medicinal value. |
| Early 2022 | The Canadian government allowed physicians to prescribe psilocybin as an urgent treatment. |
| 2022 | Oregon authorizes the use of psilocybin for adults. |
Does Psilocybin Influence Sexual Performance?
When used in conjunction with therapy, psychedelics can stimulate healing experiences, such as emotional release and psychological breakthroughs. In certain cases, psilocybin therapy for anxiety and depression has shown better results than SSRIs like escitalopram.
Major depressive disorder, a significant cause of disability, is typified by severe low mood and diminished pleasure. While not a primary symptom, sexual dysfunction often accompanies depression, influencing libido and arousal. SSRIs, a prevalent depression treatment, can worsen sexual dysfunction, affecting treatment compliance and recovery. Sexual satisfaction is crucial for overall happiness, relationships, and physical health.
Research indicates that psychedelics may positively affect sexual feelings and behaviors, fostering empathy and openness. Psychedelics are linked with increased mindfulness, empathy, body acceptance, and openness to new experiences, which could shape sexual attitudes.
The Possible Effects of Psychedelics on Sexual Functioning
Psychedelics can affect sexual functioning. Sexual activity involves physical and emotional aspects. Dr. Michele Leno, a licensed psychologist with Medical News, underscores the importance of mental states before engaging in sexual activity.
Sexual self-awareness is a prevalent issue. While some types of magic mushrooms available online can reduce anxiety, others, like alcohol, might adversely affect sexual performance. Studies show that individuals who microdose magic mushrooms experience lower inhibitions and greater relaxation, without compromising performance.
Dr. Hellerstein suggests that consuming magic mushrooms can facilitate social interactions, reduce self-centred thoughts, and potentially stimulate brain plasticity and empathy. These effects could explain some observed outcomes.
Despite the high hopes for psychedelic treatment, carrying out blind studies continues to be a hurdle. Clinical psychologist Dr. Carla Manly posits that consuming whole mushrooms might attract those seeking altered states of consciousness, potentially enriching sexual experiences.
While some people prefer natural experiences, others report feeling more relaxed and expansive when using magic mushrooms purchased online. From a neurobiological standpoint, psilocybin,
A psychedelic compound, widely used, mirrors the brain scans of individuals under anesthesia.
What Does Recent Research Suggest?
Tommaso Barba, Hannes Kettner, Caterina Radu, and several others conducted a study in 2024, exploring the influence of psychedelic substances on sexual performance and satisfaction via two distinct research approaches:
- The initial study examined the use of psychedelics for pleasure and wellness (a survey based on observation).
- The subsequent research concentrated on the impact on patients diagnosed with depression (a regulated clinical trial).
Insights from the Recreational Use Study
- After using psychedelics, participants described improved partner communication, elevated sexual gratification, and increased contentment with their partners and their own looks.
- Greater willingness to explore sexually and perceiving sex as a more spiritual practice were also noted.
These effects remained noticeable both 4 weeks and 6 months after the psychedelic experience. The only variation related to gender was seen in partner satisfaction after 6 months.
Findings from the Regulated Clinical Trial with Depressed Patients
Depressed patients who received psilocybin therapy exhibited similar improvements.
- They reported enhanced partner communication, increased sexual pleasure, and heightened satisfaction with themselves and their partners. Conversely, patients who took escitalopram only displayed improvements in self-perception, with no other alterations noted.
- Patients treated with psilocybin also showed an increase in sexual interest, activity, and arousal, compared to those treated with escitalopram.
- Anxiety related to sexual activity decreased for patients treated with psilocybin but increased for those treated with escitalopram.
Note: These findings indicate that these mind-altering compounds might positively affect sexual performance and happiness. The differences seen between the effects of psilocybin and escitalopram might be due to their distinctive methods of addressing depression. SSRIs like escitalopram may lead to sexual dysfunction due to their specific action mechanisms.
Mushrooms, like truffles, indirectly influence serotonin levels, while psilocybin microdosing has a direct impact on serotonin receptors. More comprehensive research is necessary to fully comprehend the immediate effects these mushroom species have on sexual performance.
Online Availability of Psilocybin Mushrooms
It is widely held that using premium magic mushrooms, specifically traditional types like psychedelic mushrooms, mushroom edibles or mushroom tea, microdosing capsules, LSD, and DMT, can boost sexual satisfaction. Here are some recommended magic mushroom products you may wish to explore:
| 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 for maximum effect. Wait at least 2 hours before taking another dose. | Eat one entire gummy for the full experience. Wait a minimum of 2 hours before ingesting another. | Ingest 1 to 1.5 grams of dried magic mushrooms in a comfortable environment. Ensure you stay hydrated throughout the journey. |
Improve Your Sexual Performance by Purchasing Shrooms Online
Are you seeking to buy shrooms online in Canada? At Where To Buy Shrooms Canada Canada, we offer an extensive range of high-quality magic mushrooms to meet your needs. Our online platform makes shroom delivery easily accessible.
Whether you’re exploring the therapeutic benefits of microdosing magic mushrooms or planning to embark on a deep psychedelic journey, our collection of psilocybin-rich mushrooms is at your disposal. Our products are responsibly procured and stringently tested at Health Canada to ensure safety and effectiveness for your mental health and well-being.
We offer a wide range of products, from mushroom edibles to magic mushroom tea, aimed at boosting your spiritual and therapeutic experiences. Purchase magic mushrooms online from Where To Buy Shrooms Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do the Effects of Psilocybin Last?
Psilocybin’s psychedelic effects generally persist for 4 to 8 hours, though this duration can vary based on factors like dosage and mushroom type. In a study involving 18 subjects, the experience typically ended around the seven-hour mark. Observable physiological effects began to appear after two hours, with the intensity of the drug’s effects peaking at the three-hour point.
However, further research is needed to fully comprehend the impact of elements such as stress and metabolic rate. Many studies, like this one, adjust the dosage based on the participant’s body weight, assuming a uniform spread of psilocybin throughout the body.
How Does Psilocin Affect the Brain?
Within approximately 30 minutes, psilocin reaches the brain and primarily affects the serotoninergic system, mimicking the role of serotonin. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, has multiple functions in the brain, including the facilitation of learning, memory, and mood regulation.
The cerebral cortex is home to most serotonin receptors, to which psilocin binds, including 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT1A. These receptors interact with serotonin. The effects of psilocybin extend beyond serotonin receptors, impacting brain connectivity as observed in functional MRI scans.
Functional MRI scans show a decrease in blood flow and connectivity between brain areas such as the medial prefrontal cortex and the posterior cingulate cortex. It is believed that this decreased activity in core regions enables a liberated cognitive state. Additionally, psychedelics induce an entropic brain state, characterized by increased disorder but improved overall connectivity.
How Does the Liver Metabolize Psilocybin?
- Upon the ingestion of psilocybin, it is absorbed into your bloodstream through your stomach and intestines.
- Comprehensive chewing of magic mushrooms enhances absorption.
- Once in your bloodstream, it travels to your liver via the hepatic portal vein, where a large part of the metabolization occurs.
- Magic mushrooms and truffles are abundant in psilocin, the active ingredient. When consumed naturally, they already is converted to within the human body.
Another vital function of the liver is the ‘first pass effect,’ whereby nearly 50% of psilocybin is metabolized before it even reaches the bloodstream. This is also true for substances like alcohol and cannabis, with individual variations possibly arising from factors such as stress and activity levels. Research suggests that only around 20% of psilocybin actually gets converted into psilocin.
How Can Sexual Function Be Enhanced Without Drugs or Psychedelics?
There are various ways to improve sexual function without the use of drugs or psychedelics. Here are a few suggestions:
- Address any sexual anxiety through therapy or self-exploration.
- If certain medications are negatively affecting your sexual desire, consider discussing alternative options with your healthcare provider.
- Engage in role-play with your partner to gradually become comfortable with sexual activities.
- Explore your sexual attitudes through journaling or psychotherapeutic techniques.
- Enhance sexual functioning and intimacy with natural supplements, self-improvement, 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 role of psychedelics in the history of psychiatry. Pharmacopsychiatry 54(04), 151–166 (2021).
- Dr. Michele Leno & Dr. Hellerstein: Vogel, K. Psychedelics could 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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