Can Cannabis Be a Natural Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction?

The National Institutes of Health estimates that over thirty million American men have experienced erectile dysfunction, a male sexual health condition that is tied to physical and psychological factors. Men who experience erectile dysfunction (ED) may hesitate to discuss their symptoms with a physician because conversations about sexual function may feel awkward or embarrassing.

It is important to know that erectile dysfunction is common among men over the age of forty years. The medical community better understands the condition, and there are many treatment plans available that can help men address their sexual health needs.

In the past ten years, there have been discussions about the potential health benefits of medical cannabis for erectile dysfunction. There is some scientific evidence that cannabinoids may have a positive effect, and some healthcare professionals may suggest it as an option for patients.

Let’s take a closer look at what causes erectile dysfunction and how doctor-supervised medical cannabis may provide benefits as a natural sexual medicine.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Men who experience difficulty achieving or sustaining an erection that is sufficient for sexual activity may have erectile dysfunction. The condition can present itself at any age but is more common for men over the age of forty years.

Many different variables are required to achieve and maintain an erection, which includes psychological, neurological, hormonal, and vascular factors. Any minor disruption to the balance of biological and psychological functions can cause erectile dysfunction.

What Are The Common Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction?

As discussed, both physiological and psychological variables play a part in causing erectile dysfunction. One of the challenges is that men may not seek medical guidance right away. Some men may feel embarrassed and frustrated with the symptoms they experience, which can delay treatment. However, it is essential to note that many new and effective treatments can help.

There are three main symptoms of erectile dysfunction:

1. Difficulty Achieving a Full Erection

A sustained erection is needed to perform sexually. Some men experience an inability to achieve an erection, while other men may experience partial firmness. This may be caused by both physical and emotional conditions, such as underlying health issues or psychological stress.

2. Problems Maintaining an Erection

For some men, erectile dysfunction may not prevent an erection, but once it is achieved, it may not last long. One common experience for men with ED is the loss of firmness because they experience anxiety about sexual performance.

Once it has happened a few times, there can be a fear of recurrence, which can exacerbate the problem. Problems sustaining an erection can also be related to substance use disorders or other drug interactions. Some prescription medications used to lower blood pressure can cause erectile issues as well.

3. Loss of Sexual Drive and Desire

A decrease in libido or sexual drive can occur when men experience performance problems and frustration due to erectile dysfunction. It is upsetting when it occurs and may make some men lose interest in sex due to the associated anxiety of coping with symptoms of ED. If the condition is related to a hormonal imbalance, such as low testosterone, that can also cause a loss of natural sex drive.

Any changes in sexual health should be discussed with your primary care provider. Clinical studies and impotence research indicate that there may be other health problems and potential risks. A systematic review of all symptoms can help identify what is triggering a disrupted sexual response.

The Six Known Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Men who are experiencing changes in sexual function or performance should know that professional medical advice can help address ED symptoms. What is most important is understanding that treatment can help resolve the condition.

There are five primary sources or reasons that ED occurs:

1. Vascular Disease

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). The buildup of plaques or fatty deposits in the arteries slows down the blood flow to all areas of the body, including the genital area. Since steady blood pressure is required to achieve and sustain an erection, vascular diseases are often the culprit for men over forty experiencing ED.

Endothelial dysfunction is another part of vascular disease that impacts sexual health. The endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels. Health conditions like diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), or high cholesterol can prevent the release of nitric oxide, which is needed for blood vessel dilation in the penis.

Treatment options for patients experiencing erectile dysfunction caused by blood flow issues are prescription medications, exercise, medical interventions, and lifestyle changes, which can help correct the problem. Smoking and obesity are also known to cause vascular disease.

It is also important to note that vascular disease is a leading cause of heart attack or stroke. Correcting blood pressure and flow problems can also reduce cardiovascular adverse effects and risk factors. One study by the University of Utah suggested that almost 70% of coronary artery disease diagnoses start with ED. Erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of developing health problems, which is why it should be addressed as soon as you begin to experience symptoms.

2. Endocrine Disorders

One of the most important systems in your body is the delicate balance of hormones, which serve many functions, one of which is critical to the sexual function of men. Testosterone and insulin, as well as thyroid hormones, all play a part in the physiological process of achieving and sustaining an erection.

• Testosterone deficiency can be caused by hypogonadism, leading to low testosterone levels. This can reduce both sexual drive and normal sexual health functioning for men.
• Diabetes causes a condition called insulin resistance, which can cause nerve damage or neuropathy. Diabetes also contributes to vascular problems. Both issues can reduce the blood flow to sex organs and cause erectile problems.
• Thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism (underactive) or hyperthyroidism (overactive), can disrupt normal metabolic regulation and energy levels. This can result in chronic fatigue, which can contribute to erectile dysfunction.
• Prolactin imbalance occurs when there is an excess of the prolactin hormone that regulates lactation. When prolactin levels are higher than normal (hyperprolactinemia), it may impact male sexual health.

It is important for men to understand that erectile dysfunction (ED) is a health condition that occurs in millions of men in America. The most important thing you can do if you are experiencing symptoms is to help your doctor discover what health conditions or psychological triggers are causing them.

3. Medication Side-Effects and Erectile Problems

There are many different types of prescription drugs that can alter hormone levels or other important physiological processes that are needed to have a normal erection. Additionally, some prescription medications can also cause emotional changes in mood and energy levels, which can also have a negative impact on male sexual health.

Some of the medications known to contribute to erectile dysfunction include:

• Antidepressants.
• Anti-anxiety medications.
• Antihypertensives (blood pressure drugs).
• Corticosteroids.
• Testosterone blockers.
• Antipsychotic medications.
• Medications for Parkinson’s disease.
• Alpha-blockers (used to treat conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH).

Where medications may be causing erectile dysfunction, your healthcare provider may suggest a different medication or a lower dose that may cause fewer sexual side effects.

4. Surgeries in the Pelvic Area

There are certain types of surgeries within the pelvic or surrounding areas that may contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction (ED). The genital area is a complex network of nerves, tissues, and blood vessels, and damage or changes to those areas can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.

The following surgeries can impact male sexual function:

• Prostate surgery.
• Bowel or rectal procedures.
• Bladder surgery.
• Removal of tissues on the penis or scrotum.
• Surgery to remove testicles.
• Lymph node surgery.

Specific surgeries on or around the male genitalia can cause structural anatomical changes that can disrupt normal physiological responses to sexual stimulation. Nerve damage can also occur, which can disrupt the transmission of signals important to the chain reaction of arousal and erectile functions.

Some surgical procedures may inadvertently change blood flow to the genital area and cause vascular complications. Removal of the prostate (prostatectomy) can impact normal hormonal balance, reduce testosterone, and have a negative impact on sexual functioning for men.

Any type of surgery can be physically and emotionally upsetting as well, causing stress and anxiety, even after the patient has recovered. Emotional sensitivity to changes, scars, or healing through the discomfort of a surgical procedure may also contribute to emotional or psychogenic erectile dysfunction.

5. Neurological Problems and Disorders

Some neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS), can cause nerve damage that may contribute to erectile dysfunction. Diabetic neuropathy is also a known cause of ED, as damaged nerves are not effective at transmitting the signals between emotional arousal and physical response. The autonomic nervous system plays an important role in making sure adequate blood flow to the genitals occurs.

Brain injuries or disorders caused by tumors, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and stroke can cause debilitating damage to the central nervous system (CNS) and the network of messaging from the brain to various organs and regions of the body.

6. Mental Health Considerations

Did you know that over 40% of cases of erectile dysfunction (ED) are caused by psychological and emotional factors? Psychogenic erectile dysfunction occurs when a patient experiences moderate to severe stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or depression. It may also be triggered by feelings of low self-esteem, relationship problems, bereavement, and deep feelings of guilt.

The good news is that psychogenic erectile dysfunction can be resolved with mental health treatment and support. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients work through the source of their emotional stress and learn adaptive mental health practices that can reduce or entirely resolve erectile dysfunction caused by emotional duress.

What Types of Tests Are Used to Diagnose Erectile Dysfunction?

Four main tests can be used by your healthcare provider to determine the cause or source of erectile dysfunction. The most common method used is a blood test, which can determine hormonal irregularities, heart or vascular problems, and anemia. The ED panel may also check both liver and kidney functioning.

Urine tests can be conducted to determine if prediabetes or diabetes are present and may be contributing to the problem. Thyroid tests are also commonly performed to make sure that hormonal imbalance is not the culprit causing ED.

A Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test measures erectile functioning while the patient is asleep. A man can experience five or more erections per night while sleeping, and they can last from 10 to 30 minutes in duration. Men who have disrupted sleep patterns or light sleepers who do not experience enough deep sleep or REM cycles will have fewer nocturnal erections.

Can Medical Cannabis Help With Male Sexual Dysfunction?

Men who have experienced erectile dysfunction may try medications like Viagra (Sildenafil), Avanafil (Stendra), Tadalafil (Cialis), or Vardenafil. These medications work much in the same way by relaxing muscles. Relaxation may seem counterintuitive to achieving an erection, but when muscles are relaxed, it increases blood flow to all areas of the body, including the male genital area.

The vasodilation effects of these medications can also be provided by cannabinoids. Several research studies suggest that cannabis may have potential benefits and help patients with erectile disorders that are caused by hypertension or obstructed blood flow.

Patients who experience symptoms of erectile dysfunction due to emotional or psychological triggers may also benefit from trying medical cannabis. Specific strains of cannabis can be highly effective at reducing stress and anxiety.

However, heavy or chronic use of cannabis and higher-than-average potency of THC can have a negative impact on hormones, including testosterone. That can further exacerbate symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Schedule an appointment with MedWell Health and Wellness Centers in Massachusetts and discuss your symptoms. Medical cannabis use may be a new approach to treating ED. Combined with lifestyle modifications, some patients have successfully addressed symptoms of ED with a cannabis healthcare provider.