Erectile Dysfunction
and Drug Abuse
Recreational drugs often make Erectile Dysfunction (ED) worse, a common issue among past and current users.
Our experts recommend men experiencing decreased sexual ability due to drug use seek help. It could indicate both drug-related or general health issues, which require attention.
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Recreational Drug Use and Erectile Dysfunction
Various recreational drugs can lead to erectile dysfunction by damaging blood vessels and impairing blood flow to the penis. Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and other substances have been found to restrict blood flow, which is essential for achieving and maintaining an erection during sexual intercourse.
According to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, 36.4% of male drug abusers reported experiencing ED, along with difficulties in achieving satisfactory orgasms.
Problems with ED leave it impossible for many men to achieve or maintain an erection. But now with Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT) and other ground-breaking clinical technologies, Mansmatters is able to overcome and reverse this decline in many patients.
Cocaine and Erectile Dysfunction
Contrary to popular belief, cocaine does not act as an aphrodisiac. While initial use may produce positive sexual side effects such as increased quality and duration of intercourse and more pleasurable orgasms, these effects diminish over time due to tolerance.
Long-term cocaine use has been associated with various sexual side effects, including decreased blood flow to the penis, diminished libido, loss of sensation during intercourse, and premature ejaculation.
A healthy erection depends on the ability of the penile blood vessels to relax and fill with blood. Cocaine prevents this relaxation by tightening and constricting the blood vessels.
Prolonged exposure to high levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and sexual satisfaction, can also desensitise the brain's response to sexual stimulation.
Find out more how MansMatters can help you.
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Testosterone Hormone and Drug Abuse
Drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and opioids can decrease the testosterone hormone level in men. A lack of testosterone hormone can also be a contributory factor to the development of ED. One research study showed that testosterone hormone levels in men who didn't smoke marijuana was almost double compared to men who did smoke marijuana.
Moreover, various research studies have shown that cocaine and opioids can have a negative impact as well on the testosterone hormone production in men. Men who take cocaine and opioids tend to have a lower testosterone hormone level than others who don't take such drugs.
Long-term Consequences of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse doesn't only have a negative impact on the sexual health of men, but also on their general health as well. Drug abuse can have a wide range of negative long-term consequences on the patients. Some of these consequences can even be life-threatening. It can affect nearly every organ and system of the body, as it can affect the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, kidneys, liver, etc.
Drug abuse can cause long-term heart disease including heart failure. In addition, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, kidney failure, liver damage, gastrointestinal damage, etc. are considered long-term consequences of drug abuse.
Other Recreational Drugs and Erectile Dysfunction
In addition to the drug problems mentioned above, several other recreational drugs have been linked to erectile dysfunction:
- Amphetamines: These substances can narrow blood vessels, hindering sufficient blood flow to the penis.
- Barbiturates: Often known to decrease interest in sex, barbiturates can indirectly contribute to erectile dysfunction.
- Marijuana: While marijuana may increase sexual desire, it can prevent the smooth muscles in the penis from relaxing adequately to allow proper blood flow.
Additionally, Alcohol abuse can also be recognised as causing an ED issue.
Find out more how MansMatters can help you.
Contact us for a free 20-minute consultation with our men's health specialists.
Arrange a Free Telephone Consultation
Book a Treatment or Diagnosis
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How to Quit Drug Addiction
Quitting drug abuse or addiction is not an easy task at all, but it's essential if a man wants to save his sexual as well as general health.
To successfully quit drug addiction, a man must realise the negative effects of drugs and be self-motivated. Strong commitment is key in order to quit drug addiction. Psychological support from family members or friends can be extremely vital for the drug addict in this tough journey. There are counselling and rehabilitation programmes in the UK to help with drug addiction. But even if a man successfully quits this addiction, they may still suffer from drug cravings. That's why it's very important to recognise the triggers of drugs cravings, and carefully avoid them. Professional help is always there, and it's better to seek them out as specialists can help a previous drug addict maintain the sobriety.
Men who have a history of drug abuse can take “little blue pills” for the treatment of their ED. However, these pills do not provide a long-term solution for ED. They can be effective for some men in the short-term, but their effectiveness tends to decrease over time. These pills may also not be safe for every man.
Reversibility of Sexual Side Effects
Recent research has explored the possibility of reversing the sexual side effects of drug addiction. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine suggests that men with a history of substance abuse may struggle to regain their previous level of sexual performance. The study found that illicit drug users, especially those who abused cocaine, were prone to experiencing ED, decreased sexual desire, and increased ejaculation latency. The long-term effects of drug abuse, particularly cocaine, were found to be potentially permanent.
While research published in the International Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2023 found that substance abuse, including marihuana; opioids; heroin; cocaine; tramadol; ketamine; ecstasy and amphetamine, all had a negative impact on male sexual health that should be addressed.
Addressing erectile dysfunction caused by drug abuse requires a comprehensive approach. MansMatters has a successful history of helping men with erectile problems regain their sexual function and enjoyment of relationships. These interventions typically involve a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle modifications tailored to each individual's needs.
Shockwave Therapy for Treating ED following Drug Abuse
We have found that Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT) treatment for ED is often suitable for treating men who have even a short history of drug abuse.
This innovative therapy targets the vascular system, stimulating the creation of new blood vessels, regenerating existing ones, and significantly improving nerve and surrounding tissue function. By enhancing blood flow to the erectile tissues, FSWT enables individuals to achieve natural erections without relying on pills or methods that may interfere with foreplay, offering a potential avenue for individuals seeking non-pharmaceutical solutions.
The erectile dysfunction therapy we undertake at our clinic is performed using the latest Swiss engineered technology shockwave system - the STORZ DUOLITH® SD1 which provides ultra-focused shockwave therapy, superior to radial shockwave used by many other practitioners and which is the most advanced device of its kind available today.
Using Functional Magnetic Stimulation to Treat ED
We also use Functional Magnetic Stimulation (FMS) to treat men who have ED. FMS is a non-invasive treatment modality that uses high-intensity electromagnetic fields to stimulate nerves in the pelvic area, which can improve blood flow to the penis. FMS helps improve penile blood flow and erectile function by addressing important underlying factors that contribute to ED
Using EMTT Therapy and NanoVi to Treat ED
Our other revolutionary non-invasive treatments, EMTT therapy and NanoVi, also work successfully in treating ED. Both of these treatments are 100% compatible with shockwave therapy and FMS.
Extracorporeal magnetotransduction therapy (EMTT) uses an intense magnetic field and targets the endothelial cells within the millions of blood vessels present in the penis to further improve penile health and blood flow. This therapy is also capable of hastening the healing process and improving the intercellular connectivity.
Our NanoVi Exo, which is the most powerful model of the NanoVi technology, is also very effective in repairing the cell damage and DNA within those cells and enhances the proteins. This revolutionary treatment procedure strengthens the immune system of the body, repairs the endothelial function in the penis, and promotes the overall health of the penis without using any sort of harmful chemicals whatsoever.
Erectile Dysfunction and Drug Abuse FAQs
Can Drug Abuse Contribute to the Development of ED in Men?
Drug abuse can greatly contribute to the development of ED in men. ED is a common condition in men who have drug addictions or previously had a drug addiction problem.
Which Drugs Can Be Responsible for the Development of Sexual Dysfunction in Men?
Various research studies have shown that a wide range of drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines, heroin, barbiturates, opioids, tramadol, ketamine, etc. have been responsible for the development of ED in men.
How Does Drug Abuse Cause ED?
Drugs can damage blood vessels and restrict blood flow in the penile tissues, which A3. can lead to difficulties in obtaining strong erections and ultimately lead to ED.
Can Drug Abuse Cause Any Other Diseases?
Yes. Drug abuse can cause a wide range of long-term consequences, some of which can be life threatening, including various heart diseases, lung cancer, kidney failure, liver diseases and more.
What Are the Best Ways to Overcome Drug Addiction?
Quitting drug addiction is tough and requires commitment, to quit drug addiction, one can take help from specialists. Counselling and rehabilitation programs can also be very beneficial for some individuals.
Is ED Treatable in Men Who Previously Had a Drug Addiction Problem?
Yes. With the right treatments it’s possible to treat and overcome ED in men who previously had a drug addiction problem.
How Do You Treat ED in Men Who Have Had a Drug Addiction Problem?
We utilise revolutionary non-invasive treatments to treat ED, 0ur treatment protocol consists of Focused Shockwave Therapy, Extracorporeal MagnetoTransduction Therapy (EMTT), NanoVi and Functional Magnetic Stimulation or the Tesla Chair.
Do You Recommend “little blue pills” for the Treatment of ED?
No, they are of little use in treating ED in the long term. While they can have a temporary effect in the short to medium term, pills do not provide a long-term solution, as their effectiveness diminishes over time. Also, these pills are not suitable for everyone due to other health problems so cannot be prescribed.
Are Your Treatments Safe for ED Patients Who Have Abused Drugs?
Our treatments are completely safe for ED patients including those who previously had a drug addiction problem. None of our treatment procedures have any kind of negative side-effects whatsoever.
Are Your ED Treatments Compatible With One Another?
All of our treatment procedures are fully compatible. We have seen that the overall effectiveness of our treatments gets significantly higher when we utilise them in conjunction with each other.
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