Sex and Marijuana Use How Cannabis Affects Penis Health
Recent legislation in several US states has led to the decriminalization of marijuana use; and current health news has also featured marijuana as a viable treatment for numerous health conditions. As marijuana use becomes more accepted, both from a legal as well as a social perspective, it is worth reviewing the cautions about its effects on the body. Since marijuana is especially popular with younger people, who are likely to be engaging in sex, as well, the following article focuses on how it affects men’s sexual health, both in the moment and in the long term. In addition, some tips on maintaining penis health from a preventive standpoint are offered.
Numerous scientific studies have investigated the effects of cannabis - the active ingredient in marijuana. While some of the results have been contradictory, the following conclusions have been widely accepted in the scientific community.
1. Erectile function - The ‘high’ feeling that people get when they smoke marijuana is the result of the interaction of cannabis with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Research has shown that the smooth muscle tissue of the penis - which are directly involved in erectile function - also contains cannabinoid receptors. Stimulating these receptors can severely limit a man’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
2. Premature or delayed ejaculation - An Australian study of over 8,000 men and women who used marijuana showed that men who smoke the substance regularly are four times more likely than men who do not smoke to have difficulty achieving orgasm; and they were three times more likely to experience premature ejaculation.
3. Long-term health issues - Marijuana use affects many aspects of an individual’s health, and these effects have been shown to continue long after use of the drug has stopped. Some of these may include increased risk of heart attack, chronic respiratory issues and repercussions for mental health. Furthermore, cannabis remains in the reproductive system far longer than other parts of the body, and they can cause problems with fertility, fetal health issues, and even cancer.
4. Shrinkage - The issue of penile shrinkage related to marijuana use is debatable. When it comes to tobacco use, it has been found that smoking decreases the elasticity of the connective tissue and can, over time, lead to loss of as much of a centimeter in the length of the penis. In terms of marijuana use, some researchers have reported a similar effect, but the general consensus seems to be that no positive link has yet been found.
Daily care for a healthy penis
Only stopping marijuana use can limit the effects that it may have on sexual health. However, every man can benefit from proper penis health care when it is carried out on a routine basis.
The first and most important point here is protection: men who are sexually active should always - no excuses - use a condom for any intimate contact; and this is especially critical for men who may have more than one partner. The second aspect of good penis care that all men can incorporate into their daily lives is hydration - adequate water intake is vital for cellular health and function. Third, good nutrition is essential, as the right nutrients are needed to supply cells with the materials they need to function properly. For men who are concerned that their diets are not sufficient, adding a vitamin-rich penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) to their daily personal care routine may help to reduce any nutritional gaps. Keeping the penile tissue well-moisturized can also help to prevent dehydration and leave the penis skin smooth and responsive.