How do you prevent erectile dysfunction?

Preventing ED often means managing any underlying health conditions. Other things that can help include: Regular exercise Eating a balanced diet Quitting smoking Reducing stress Early treatment of any sexual or mental health concerns can also help keep ED at bay.

How long does temporary erectile dysfunction last?

Temporary ED can last from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the cause. Some factors that can cause short-lived ED are: Stress Fatigue Alcohol use Medications These episodes typically resolve once the trigger is removed. If symptoms continue beyond a few weeks, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare professional for evaluation.

Can Weed Cause Erectile Dysfunction or Infertility?

Key takeaways:

Moderate use of cannabis (marijuana) doesn’t cause erectile dysfunction (ED), but some studies suggest that cannabis overuse is linked with it.
Cannabis doesn’t appear to cause either male or female infertility.
Early studies suggest that cannabis could be a tool for sexual wellness by improving libido and sexual satisfaction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when someone has difficulty getting or keeping an erection on a regular basis. ED is extremely common, and it can happen at any age. But it’s more common as you age. About 4 in 10 men over age 60 will experience ED.

Many different conditions can lead to sexual problems. And scientists have been looking into whether cannabis causes ED or infertility. Let’s take a closer look at the relationship between cannabis and sexual health and if smoking cannabis can cause ED.

Does smoking weed cause erectile dysfunction?

The research on the link between smoking cannabis and ED is mixed. It’s a tricky area of study because scientists need to separate the effects of the compounds in cannabis from the effects of smoking itself.

Some studies suggest smoking cannabis is linked to ED. And there’s growing research on how cannabis affects heart health and blood pressure — both of which are strongly linked to ED. But other studies suggest that people who use cannabis are less likely to experience ED compared to people who don’t use it.

The link between smoking cannabis and ED may be more related to the toxic chemicals in smoke than the cannabis itself. Many of the toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke are also present in cannabis smoke. And the risks appear greatest for those who smoke cannabis more, or who smoke tobacco more often. People who smoke cannabis heavily are more likely to have ED.

Several studies have shown that people who smoke cannabis are less likely to have diabetes, a major risk factor for ED. So, there could be a relationship between cannabis and metabolic disorders. But more studies are needed to confirm whether there’s a true risk or benefit when it comes to ED.

Effects of cannabis

Cannabis (also called marijuana) can affect both your mind and body in different ways. Some people say it makes them feel happier or more relaxed. But others experience side effects they don’t expect. Here’s a quick look at how cannabis can impact the body:

ED: Men who use cannabis regularly may have problems getting or keeping an erection about twice as often as men who don’t use it.
Cognitive changes: Cannabis can make it harder to focus, remember things, or react quickly. It can also affect coordination, which makes driving or using machines more dangerous.
Risk of heart disease and stroke: Using cannabis often can raise the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure — especially in people younger than 50.
Increased appetite: Cannabis can make you feel hungrier, especially for snacks like sweets and carbs. Over time, this might lead to weight gain or trouble controlling blood sugar
Mood changes in youth:Teens who use cannabis are more likely to have mental health problems later, like depression or suicidal thoughts.

Does weed cause infertility?

There’s limited and conflicting research on the link between cannabis and infertility. But what’s clear is that some cannabis compounds can go through the placenta and reach a developing fetus. This can lead to pregnancy-related complications. This is why the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises against cannabis use during pregnancy and when trying to become pregnant.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

What causes erectile dysfunction (ED)? There are many causes of ED, from aging to chronic medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Medications for ED: You have lots of options when it comes to treating ED. Here’s how popular ED medications compare.
Benefits and risks of cannabis: There’s a lot of new research on the benefits and side effects of cannabis. Check out our expert overview.

Does weed affect testosterone or sperm quality?

Lab experiments suggest that cannabis — and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in particular — can change sperm count, activity, and quality. Similarly, lab and animal studies suggest that cannabis can change hormone levels like testosterone. Again, these results haven’t been reproduced in humans. So more research is needed.

Some experts think that for people who’re already experiencing fertility issues, the effects of cannabis on hormones and sperm could make things worse. They also suggest taking a break from cannabis while trying to get pregnant.

How long after quitting weed can male fertility improve?

There’s a lack of quality research on how cannabis may affect long-term male fertility. This link will likely depend on your history of use, including how you used cannabis (edibles versus smoking), how much, and for how long. Researchers continue to learn about the long-term effects of cannabis.

Effective treatments for erectile dysfunction

Lifestyle choices have a big impact on ED. Regular exercise and a heart-healthy diet are important for cardiovascular health. And the health of your cardiovascular system is directly related to ED.

Treatment for ED is done on an individual basis, which is why it’s important to come up with a plan with your healthcare team. There are several FDA-approved medications to treat ED, including sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis).

There are also some important lifestyle choices that could improve your symptoms and overall cardiovascular health:

Quitting smoking
Doing regular physical activity and losing weight
Eating a low-cholesterol diet

Can cannabis make sex better?

It’s unlikely that smoking cannabis will make you last longer in bed or prolong orgasm. However, studies show that people who use cannabis have sex more often than people who don’t use it. Plus, cannabis may make sex more enjoyable. For example, many people report feeling stronger sensations and longer or more intense sexual experiences when using cannabis. This happens more often in women, and it may be due to lower anxiety and stronger physical feelings. But an overall improvement in sexual wellness and satisfaction is true for both women and men.

Some researchers are studying cannabis as a possible treatment for ED. It could be a possible therapy for female sexual health, by relieving pelvic pain associated with sex. Also, CBD may be helpful for anxiety. That could possibly impact your sex life, since performance anxiety often contributes to ED. But this research is still in its early stages, so it’s too early to say whether cannabis may play a part in treating ED.

Frequently asked questions

The most common treatment for ED are medications like sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis). But a new treatment known as low-intensity shockwave therapy is gaining attention. It may work to improve blood flow and promote natural healing. For those who don’t respond to medication, options like penile injections or implants are available. Emerging treatments like gene and stem cell therapy are being studied but aren’t widely used yet.

Preventing ED often means managing any underlying health conditions. Other things that can help include:

Regular exercise
Eating a balanced diet
Quitting smoking
Reducing stress

Early treatment of any sexual or mental health concerns can also help keep ED at bay.

Temporary ED can last from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the cause. Some factors that can cause short-lived ED are:

Stress
Fatigue
Alcohol use
Medications

These episodes typically resolve once the trigger is removed. If symptoms continue beyond a few weeks, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare professional for evaluation.

Smoking is strongly linked with ED because it has very negative effects on the cardiovascular system. Toxic chemicals in the smoke are partially to blame. Nicotine is also a factor. In fact, even electronic cigarette use or vaping is linked to ED (although vaping does appear to be less harmful than smoking).

Studies have shown that the risk for ED is higher with more exposure to smoke. In other words, the more cigarettes per day and the longer a person smokes, the worse your ED symptoms may be.

The bottom line

For generally healthy people, moderate cannabis use doesn’t seem to cause ED or negatively affect fertility. But studies are conflicting, so it’s hard to make definitive conclusions about the long-term effects. There’s clearer evidence that overusing cannabis, especially when you smoke it, may increase your risk of ED.

Cannabis isn’t a treatment for ED. However, some studies suggest that it may support sexual health by increasing sexual desire and satisfaction. There are effective, FDA-approved treatments for ED. So, connect with your healthcare team about lifestyle changes and medications for you.

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Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Adie Rae, PhD

Adie Rae, PhD, is a neuroscientist known for her extensive expertise on cannabis. She has been conducting peer-reviewed research about cannabis since 2004.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

Reviewed by:

Farzon A. Nahvi, MD

Farzon Nahvi, MD, is an emergency medicine physician and author of “Code Gray: Death, Life, and Uncertainty in the ER.” He works at Concord Hospital in Concord, New Hampshire, and teaches at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.

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