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Lecture Notes

There are many types of drugs that affect sexual health including aphrodisiacs, marijuana, amyl nitrate, LSD, cocaine, methamphetamines, and ecstasy. Aphrodisiacs are substances that supposedly increase sexual desire or improve sexual function.

Most recreational drugs actually have the opposite effect. The effects of marijuana are determined by the expectations of the users. However, the drug can become a crutch to help deal with situations or behaviors they find uncomfortable and can enhance mood and reduce inhibitions. Long-term use of marijuana can cause or contribute to low motivation to achieve and a low sex drive. Amyl nitrate, or AKA poppers, is another drug that can affect sexuality. It expands blood vessels around the heart and is used in an attempt to intensify orgasms. It also causes the engorgement of blood vessels in the penis and causes a drop in blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness and giddiness. Side effects also include severe headaches, fainting, and can cause a burn if contact with the skin occurs.

LSD and other psychedelic drugs are often used and affect sexuality; however, there is no positive effect on sexual ability with the use of these specific drugs. In addition, there is cocaine, which reduces inhibitions and enhances feelings of well-being. Regular use can lead to sexual difficulties in both men and women, including the ability to achieve erection or orgasm, and injectors experience the greatest dysfunction.

 

There is also ecstasy, which is an hallucinogenic amphetamine producing heightened arousal and mellowing effect as well as enhancing a sense of self. Ecstasy is illegal and is associated with dehydration due to physical exertion without breaks for water. Heavy use effects include paranoia, liver damage, and heart attacks. It also lowers sexual inhibitions because of feelings of increased empathy. Men generally cannot get erections when high with the use of ecstasy. Other drugs include methamphetamines, which increase the sexual interest, which leads to dangerous behaviors. With all drugs, however, it is important to know that they put people at significant risk for sexually transmitted infections and violence.

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