Could there be a link between the consumption of psychedelics and sexual function? While some anecdotal and qualitative data suggest such a connection, formal testing to confirm this hypothesis has yet to be performed. Sexual satisfaction and performance, both essential to human well-being, can often be adversely impacted by mental health issues or the side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a common treatment for depression.
In 2024, a clinical study was conducted by Tommaso Barba, Hannes Kettner, Caterina Radu, and their team to examine the impact of ingesting online-purchased magic mushrooms on sexual function.
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A Closer Look at Psilocybin
Studies by Nichols, D. E. & Walter, H. have examined the relationship between psychedelic use and the ‘hippy’ culture, noted for its pacifist ideologies and liberal approach to sexual practices. The exploration of psychedelics was hindered by the 1971 United Nations Controlled Substances Act, but recent times have seen a resurgence, with new research indicating potential benefits for mental health treatment.
Let’s start by delving into the historical background of magic mushrooms:
Period | Occurrence |
Prehistoric period | Psychoactive mushrooms were used by early humans, as indicated by rock art dating back 6000 to 8000 years. |
1500 BCE | Ancient societies utilized psychoactive mushrooms in religious ceremonies. |
283-343 A.D | The ancient Chinese text “Baopuzi” by Ge Hong described intoxicating mushrooms, including Psilocybe. |
900-1130 CE | Mushrooms were portrayed in the Khajuraho Temples of India, suggesting their potential religious importance. |
16th Century | Indigenous Mesoamerican cultures, such as the Aztecs, Mazatec, and Zapotec, used Psilocybe mushrooms for religious rites and daily living. |
1919 | Reko inaccurately identified psychoactive mushrooms as “Teonanácatl.” |
Late 1950s | Albert Hofmann isolated Psilocybin. |
1971 | The United Nations listed psilocybin as an addictive substance lacking medicinal value. |
Early 2022 | The Canadian government allowed doctors to prescribe Psilocybin has been authorized as an emergency treatment. |
2022 | In Oregon, psilocybin has been legalized for use by adults. |
Can Psilocybin Influence Sexual Function?
When used alongside therapeutic practices, psychedelic substances can enable therapeutic experiences like emotional release and psychological revelations. In certain cases, psilocybin therapy has been more effective than SSRIs like escitalopram in treating anxiety and depression.
Major depressive disorder, a primary source of disability, is marked by severe downcast mood and diminished pleasure. While it’s not a main symptom, sexual dysfunction often accompanies depression, affecting desire and arousal. SSRIs, a standard depression treatment, can exacerbate sexual dysfunction, thereby affecting treatment compliance and recovery. Sexual satisfaction can influence overall well-being, relationships, and physical health.
Research indicates that psychedelics may positively affect sexual feelings and behaviors, fostering empathy and openness. The use of psychedelics has been linked to enhanced mindfulness, empathy, body positivity, and willingness to explore new experiences, which could influence sexual attitudes.
How Psychedelics Could Affect Sexual Function
Psychedelics may have an effect on sexual function. Sexual activity encompasses both physical and emotional consequences. Dr. Michele Leno, a licensed psychologist with Medical News, underlines the importance of mental states preceding sexual activity.
Sexual self-consciousness is a widespread concern. While some types of magic mushrooms available online can lessen anxiety, others, akin to alcohol, could have a detrimental effect on sexual performance. Studies suggest that people who microdose magic mushrooms experience lessened inhibitions and enhanced relaxation, without affecting performance negatively.
As per Dr. Hellerstein, ingesting magic mushrooms can promote social bonds, reduce self-centered thinking, and may even encourage brain plasticity and empathy. These effects might explain some of the observed outcomes.
Despite the heightened expectations around psychedelic therapy, carrying out blind studies is a hurdle. Clinical psychologist Dr. Carla Manly proposes that consuming whole mushrooms might appeal to those seeking altered consciousness states, potentially enriching sexual experiences.
While some people favor natural experiences, others report feeling less restrained and more open when using magic mushrooms bought online. From a neurobiological standpoint, psilocybin,
A psychedelic compound frequently employed exhibits resemblances to certain brain imaging studies performed under anesthesia.What Does Recent Research Suggest?
In 2024, a study was carried out by Tommaso Barba, Hannes Kettner, Caterina Radu, among others, examining the influence of psychedelic substances on sexual performance and satisfaction through two distinct investigations:
- The initial study delved into the application of psychedelics for leisure and wellness (an observational survey).
- The subsequent research concentrated on the implications for patients grappling with depression (a controlled clinical trial).
Outcomes from the Recreational Use Study
- Following psychedelic use, participants reported improved communication with partners, elevated sexual pleasure, and heightened satisfaction with their partners and their self-image.
- An increased willingness towards sexual exploration and the perception of sex as a deeper spiritual experience were also noted.
The effects mentioned above were still noticeable at 4 weeks and 6 months post the psychedelic encounter. The sole gender-related variation was observed in partner contentment at the 6-month assessment.
Findings from the Controlled Clinical Trial on Depressed Patients
Depressed patients who received psilocybin therapy exhibited similar improvements.
- Enhanced communication with partners, elevated sexual pleasure, and increased self and partner satisfaction were reported. In contrast, only self-image satisfaction enhancements were observed in patients treated with escitalopram, with no other changes noted.
- Compared to those treated with escitalopram, patients who received psilocybin therapy showed increased sexual interest, activity, and arousal.
- Anxiety related to sexual activity decreased for patients treated with psilocybin, but it increased in those treated with escitalopram.
Note: The results imply that these psychoactive compounds could positively affect sexual performance and welfare. The distinct effects of psilocybin and escitalopram could be due to their different methods of action in treating depression. SSRIs like escitalopram may cause sexual dysfunction due to their inherent pharmacological properties.
The impact of psilocybin from magic mushrooms on serotonin receptors is direct, unlike other dietary supplements. The precise influence these mushroom species have on sexual functionality still requires further investigation.
Online Availability of Psilocybin Mushrooms
It is suggested that top-quality magic mushrooms, such as traditional psychedelic mushrooms, mushroom edibles or mushroom tea, microdosing capsules, LSD, and DMT, can heighten sexual satisfaction. Here are some exemplary magic mushroom products you might be interested in:
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 | Take one full tab for the complete effect. Wait at least 2 hours before consuming another. | Eat one full gummy for the entire impact. Wait for at least 2 hours before taking another. | Ingest 1 to 1.5 grams of dried magic mushrooms in a relaxing environment. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the experience. |
Improve Your Sexual Performance by Purchasing Shrooms Online
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Whether you’re exploring the therapeutic benefits of microdosing magic mushrooms or embarking on a profound psychedelic journey, our selection of psilocybin-rich mushrooms is reliable. We source our products responsibly and ensure rigorous testing at Health Canada to ensure safety and effectiveness for enhancing your mental wellbeing.
From mushroom edibles to magic mushroom tea, we stock everything required for enriching your spiritual and therapeutic experiences. Buy magic mushrooms online from Buy Magic Mushrooms Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do the Effects of Psilocybin Last?
The psychedelic experience from psilocybin usually endures from 4 to 8 hours, though this duration can fluctuate based on various factors, including the dosage and mushroom type. Through an experiment involving 18 participants, it was found that the experience typically ended around the seventh hour. Physiological effects began to appear after two hours, with the peak of the drug’s impact occurring three hours in.
However, further research is needed to fully comprehend the impact of factors such as stress and metabolism. Many research studies, like this one, alter the dosage based on the participant’s body weight, assuming a uniform distribution of psilocybin throughout the body.
How Does Psilocin Affect the Brain?
Psilocin reaches the brain roughly within 30 minutes, primarily impacting the serotoninergic system and mimicking the role of serotonin. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, plays various roles in the brain, including learning, memory, and mood regulation.
Most serotonin receptors are located in the cerebral cortex, where psilocin binds, targeting 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT1A receptors, which are associated with serotonin. The effects of psilocybin extend beyond serotonin receptors, influencing brain connectivity as evident 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. This reduction in activity in core regions is thought to enable an unconstrained cognitive state. Additionally, psychedelics induce an entropic brain state, characterized by increased disorder yet improved overall connectivity.
How Does the Liver Metabolize Psilocybin?
- After ingesting psilocybin, it is absorbed into your bloodstream via your stomach and intestines.
- Chewing magic mushrooms thoroughly can enhance absorption.
- Once in your bloodstream, it travels to your liver through the hepatic portal vein, where much of the metabolization occurs.
- Magic mushrooms and truffles are abundant in psilocin, the active ingredient. When consumed naturally, they are already is converted into within our bodies.
Another vital liver process is the ‘first pass effect,’ where about 50% of psilocybin is depleted during absorption before reaching the bloodstream. This event is also seen with alcohol and cannabis, with variations among individuals due to factors such as stress and physical activity. According to certain studies, only about 20% of psilocybin is expected to transform into psilocin.
How to Improve Sexual Function Without Drugs or Psychedelics?
Enhancing sexual function without the use of drugs or psychedelics is definitely possible. Here are some tips:
- Address any sexual anxiety through therapy or self-reflection.
- If medications are affecting your sexual desire, think about discussing alternative options with your healthcare provider.
- Engage in role-play with your partner to get comfortable with different sexual activities.
- Explore your sexual attitudes through journaling or psychotherapeutic techniques.
- Enhance sexual functionality 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 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
Additional Information on 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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