Could there be a correlation between psychedelic usage and sexual performance? There are anecdotal and qualitative indicators pointing towards such a relationship, but no formal research has substantiated this claim yet. Sexual satisfaction and performance, considered integral to overall human happiness, can often be adversely impacted by mental health issues or as an unintended consequence of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a common treatment for depression.
A scientific study was undertaken by Tommaso Barba, Hannes Kettner, Caterina Radu, and their colleagues in 2024, to scrutinize the impact of consuming magic mushrooms online on sexual functionality.
[toc]
Exploring Psilocybin
A study by Nichols, D. E. & Walter, H. examined the connection between psychedelic use and the ‘hippy’ culture, which is recognized for its peace advocacy and open sexual attitudes. Psychedelic exploration was limited by the United Nations Controlled Substances Act of 1971, but recently, there has been a resurgence with research indicating potential advantages for mental health treatments.
Let’s start by exploring the historical background of magic mushrooms:
| Time Period | Event |
| Prehistoric | Petroglyphs dating back 6000 to 8000 years show the use of psychoactive mushrooms by early human ancestors. |
| 1500 BCE | Psychoactive mushrooms were utilized in spiritual rites by ancient civilizations. |
| 283-343 A.D | The ancient Chinese text “Baopuzi” by Ge Hong described the use of intoxicating mushrooms, including Psilocybe. |
| 900-1130 CE | Mushroom imagery in India’s Khajuraho Temples hints at their potential religious importance. |
| 16th Century | Psilocybe mushrooms were used in religious ceremonies and daily life by indigenous Mesoamerican cultures such as the Aztecs, Mazatec, and Zapotec. |
| 1919 | Reko incorrectly identified psychoactive mushrooms as “Teonanácatl.” |
| Late 1950s | Albert Hofmann successfully isolated Psilocybin. |
| 1971 | Psilocybin was classified as an addictive substance with no medicinal benefits by the United Nations. |
| Early 2022 | The Canadian government authorized physicians to prescribe psilocybin as a crisis intervention. |
| 2022 | Oregon authorizes psilocybin for adult consumption. |
Does Psilocybin Influence Sexual Function?
Psychedelics, when used in conjunction with therapy, can trigger therapeutic experiences such as emotional release and psychological understanding. In some cases, psilocybin therapy for anxiety and depression has demonstrated better results than SSRIs like escitalopram.
Major depressive disorder, a significant disability trigger, is marked by severe low mood and diminished joy. Although not a core symptom, sexual dysfunction often accompanies depression, affecting desire and arousal. SSRIs, a typical depression treatment, can worsen sexual dysfunction, impacting treatment adherence and recovery. Sexual satisfaction influences overall well-being, relationships, and physical health.
There is evidence to suggest that psychedelics may positively affect sexual feelings and behaviors, fostering empathy and openness. Psychedelics are associated with heightened mindfulness, empathy, body positivity, and receptiveness to new experiences, which could shape sexual attitudes.
Potential Influence of Psychedelics on Sexual Function
Psychedelics can alter sexual functioning. Sexual activity encompasses both physical and emotional aspects. Dr. Michele Leno, a licensed psychologist with Medical News, emphasizes the importance of mental states preceding sexual activity.
Sexual self-awareness is a widespread issue. While some types of magic mushrooms available online can ease anxiety, others, like alcohol, may detrimentally affect sexual performance. Studies suggest that those who microdose magic mushrooms experience lessened inhibitions and heightened relaxation, without impairing performance.
Dr. Hellerstein suggests that the ingestion of magic mushrooms can enhance social bonds, reduce self-centered thoughts, and possibly stimulate brain plasticity and empathy. Such effects may explain some observed outcomes.
Despite the great hopes around psychedelic treatment, it remains challenging to conduct blind studies. Clinical psychologist Dr. Carla Manly proposes that the ingestion of whole mushrooms might appeal to those seeking altered states of consciousness, potentially enriching sexual experiences.
While some people prefer natural experiences, others report feeling more uninhibited and expansive when using magic mushrooms purchased online. From a neurobiological viewpoint, psilocybin,
is a widely-used psychedelic substance that shows similar characteristics to certain brain imaging studies conducted under anesthesia.
What Are Recent Studies Suggesting?
In 2024, Tommaso Barba, Hannes Kettner, Caterina Radu and other researchers carried out a study to understand the effects of psychedelic substances on sexual performance and satisfaction. The study was split into two separate investigations:
- The first investigation examined the recreational and wellness-related usage of psychedelics (an observational survey).
- The second investigation zeroed in on the impacts of psychedelics on patients with depression (a controlled clinical trial).
Insights from the Recreational Use Study
- Users reported improved communication with partners, increased sexual enjoyment, and greater satisfaction with their partners and their own physical appearance post-use of psychedelics.
- A heightened openness to sexual exploration and a deeper, more spiritual understanding of sex were also noted.
These effects were observed to last for up to 4 weeks and 6 months after the psychedelic experience. The only gender-related difference noted was in partner satisfaction at the 6-month checkpoint.
Outcomes from the Controlled Clinical Trial Involving Patients with Depression
Similar improvements were observed in depressed patients who underwent psilocybin therapy.
- These patients reported better communication with their partners, heightened sexual pleasure, and increased satisfaction with their partners and themselves. However, patients who were treated with only escitalopram reported improvements in self-image satisfaction, without any other observed changes.
- Patients who received 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.
Note: This research suggests that psychoactive substances may positively affect sexual performance and well-being. The contrasting effects of psilocybin and escitalopram may be due to their distinct modes of action in treating depression. SSRIs like escitalopram may lead to sexual dysfunction due LSD is believed to indirectly influence serotonin levels, while psilocybin microdosing targets serotonin receptors directly. However, more research is needed to fully elucidate the immediate effects of these mushroom species on sexual functionality. The psychedelic effects of psilocybin generally persist for 4 to 8 hours. However, the duration can vary based on elements such as dosage and mushroom species.Order Psilocybin Mushrooms Online
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do the Effects of Psilocybin Last?
That being said, further investigation is needed to comprehend the impact of variables like stress and metabolic rate. Many studies, like this one, modify 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 about 30 minutes and primarily targets the serotonin system, mimicking the action of serotonin. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, plays numerous roles in the brain, including involvement in learning, memory, and mood regulation.
The majority of serotonin receptors, to which psilocin binds, are located in the cerebral cortex. These include the 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT1A receptors, which interact with serotonin. Psilocybin’s effects extend beyond serotonin receptors and influence brain connectivity, as shown in functional MRI scans.
Functional MRI scans reveal a decrease in blood flow and connectivity in certain brain regions, such as the medial prefrontal cortex and the posterior cingulate cortex. This reduced activity in key regions is thought to enable a freer cognitive state. Moreover, psychedelics induce an entropic brain state characterized by higher disorder but increased overall connectivity.
How Does the Liver Metabolize Psilocybin?
- After ingesting psilocybin, it is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and intestines.
- Chewing magic mushrooms thoroughly can enhance absorption.
- Once it enters the bloodstream, psilocybin travels to the liver via the hepatic portal vein, where a significant part of the metabolic process occurs.
- Magic mushrooms and truffles are rich in psilocin, the active compound. When consumed naturally, they already contain some amount of psilocin. contain psilocin, a compound that psilocybin transforms into inside our bodies.
Another important process that happens in the liver is the ‘first pass effect,’ where about half of the psilocybin is lost during absorption before it makes its way into the bloodstream. This phenomenon also occurs with substances like alcohol and cannabis, with unpredictable variations among individuals due to factors such as stress levels and physical activity. As per some studies, it is estimated that only around 20% of psilocybin is converted into psilocin.
How Can Sexual Function Be Enhanced Without the Use of Drugs or Psychedelics?
Enhancing sexual function without the use of drugs or psychedelics is indeed possible. Here are a few recommendations:
- Address sexual anxieties through therapy or self-reflection.
- If certain medications are negatively impacting your sexual desire, consider consulting with your prescribing medical professional about possible alternatives.
- Try role-playing with your partner to progressively get comfortable with sexual activities.
- Explore your sexual outlooks through journaling or psychotherapeutic techniques.
- Improve sexual function and intimacy by using natural supplements, personal development, 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 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 of Interest:
