Sex, drugs and . . . better mental health? Science says yes. A groundbreaking study from researchers at Imperial College London has found that psychedelics like psilocybin can boost your bedroom game long after the visuals have faded away—even if depression has got you down.
Especially if depression has got you down, according to the findings.
While sexual function and satisfaction are generally regarded as an important aspect of human well-being, sexual dysfunction is an all-too-common symptom of many mental health conditions. It is also a common—albeit harsh—side effect of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), a first-line treatment for depression and anxiety. Not ideal.
Psilocybin, on the other hand, has been found to provide better performance outcomes and sexual satisfaction both in the near term and even up to six months after a single trip. Six months! Anecdotally, we’ve known this for a while: sex and drugs can be a winning combination. Now, there’s hard scientific proof with long-term results.
Understanding the impact of psychedelics on sexual functioning could provide insights for alternative treatments for depression and related sexual dysfunctions, yet another of the many benefits psychedelics can provide.
The Magic of Mushrooms
This recent study looked at a bunch of folks who were either part of a large naturalistic survey or a controlled clinical trial. These brave souls were treated with either psilocybin or escitalopram, known as Lexapro, a common SSRI. They measured sexual functioning and satisfaction at different times, checking in on our adventurous participants at multiple points post-trip. The goal? To see who was having the most fun in the bedroom.
Spoiler alert: psilocybin wins. Participants in the magic mushrooms group reported major improvements across the board.
Pleasure and communication: Participants demonstrated a significant boost in sexual pleasure as well as better communication during sex. Essentially, talking about what they wanted got a whole lot easier.
Satisfaction with partners and appearance: Participants were more satisfied with both their partners’ and their own physical appearance. Body confidence and positivity FTW.
Long-lasting effects: These improvements weren’t just a fleeting fantasy. Participants noticed these benefits sticking around for both their four-week and six-month check-in after the psychedelic journey.
Psilocybin vs. SSRI: Those on psilocybin had way more positive changes in their sex lives compared to the SSRI group. They reported increased sexual interest, arousal, activity, and satisfaction–all while waving goodbye to sexual anxiety. The SSRI group did not see much change.
The Magic Behind the Magic
Researchers believe that enhanced mindfulness, emotional empathy, and an openness to new experiences play a big role. Basically, psychedelics help you get out of your head and into the moment, making you more present and connected during sex.
Sexual satisfaction is a big deal for overall well-being. For those struggling with mental health issues, finding joy in the bedroom can be a real challenge. SSRIs, while helpful for depression, often dampen sexual desire. Psilocybin seems to do the opposite, opening up new pathways to pleasure and intimacy. These findings make this study a game-changer, shedding light on how psychedelics could be used as a treatment for sexual dysfunction, especially in the context of depression and anxiety.
Of course, there are a few caveats. The naturalistic part of the study lacked the tight controls of a lab experiment, so while the results are promising, more research is needed to firm up these findings. Plus, most participants were white, employed, and well-educated, which means we need to see if these results hold true for a more diverse crowd.
This study is just the beginning. The potential for psychedelics to revolutionize mental health and sexual wellness is huge, but there’s still a lot we need to learn. More research will help us understand the full scope of these effects and how they can be harnessed for better clinical applications. Future research will hopefully dig deeper into the mechanisms behind these effects for broader populations.
Sexual satisfaction is a crucial piece of the human happiness puzzle. Yet, for those battling mental health issues, achieving that satisfaction can be a challenge. Many of the go-to antidepressants can throw a wet blanket over your sex drive, so finding an alternative that not only helps with depression but also amps up your sex life is groundbreaking. These findings offer a hopeful glimpse into a future where psychedelics could play a major role in our well-being.
Life’s too short for bad sex, so get out of your head and into bed!