Effects Of Meth On Sexual Behavior

Meth, or methamphetamine, is a dangerous drug when used recreationally and illegally. Specifically, homemade meth and crystal meth can be particularly hazardous.

Methamphetamine abuse is becoming increasingly common and has become an immense issue in certain cities, like New York and San Francisco.

That being said, methamphetamine is known to have numerous negative effects on your physical and mental health, like many other illicit drugs.

One of the lesser talked-about side effects of meth use, however, are the sexual side effects, or how it impacts your sexual behavior and sex habits.

Short-Term Effects Of Meth On Sexual Behavior

There are a couple of short-term effects that you may experience immediately when using meth.

These effects are usually waning. In other words, you won’t experience them once you’ve come down from your high.

Boost In Sexual Pleasure

One short-term effect of meth is a boost in sexual pleasure. This can be attributed primarily to the fact that meth is a stimulant drug.

As your body becomes more sensitive to stimulation and your brain receives a flood of neurotransmitters like dopamine, you may feel euphoric, which can carry into sex.

Many people report a more enjoyable sexual experience when they use meth.

Increased Libido

Another short-term effect you may experience with methamphetamine abuse is increased libido. This means you may have an increased desire to engage in sexual activities.

Long-Term Effects Of Meth Use On Sex

While the short-term effects of meth on sex may make it seem enticing, the long-term effects may do the opposite.

From long-term effects like risk of heart attack to psychosis and sexual side effects, prolonged meth use is dangerous in many ways.

Decreased Libido

Paralleling one of the previously mentioned effects is decreased libido. Although short-term use can increase your sexual desire, over time, you may experience the opposite issue.

Erectile Dysfunction

Another issue you may experience with repeated meth use is erectile dysfunction.

This can happen for a number of reasons and occurs at a high prevalence, particularly with use of crystal methamphetamine.

First, meth can affect the blood flow in your body, which can make it difficult to get an erection. Additionally, meth affects the brain and nerve signals, which can mess with your body’s ability to get aroused.

Infertility

Perhaps the most upsetting risk of long-term meth use on your sexual behavior is infertility. Infertility due to meth use can occur in both men and women.

Nonexistent Orgasms

Lastly, using methamphetamine can also make it challenging to reach orgasm. In some cases, you may experience delayed or weaker orgasms, while in other cases you may not experience orgasm at all.

How To Treat Sexual Side Effects From Meth Use

Having your sexual life and behavior altered can be incredibly frustrating and can lead to additional issues.

However, there are a few ways to treat some of these side effects. Options like therapy and psychiatry can also be useful in supporting your mental health through these issues.

Dangers Of Mixing Viagra And Meth

When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction, you may think the use of drugs such as Viagra is the best plan of action.

Although, mixing Viagra and Meth can be extremely dangerous to your sexual health. This is because it can lead you to engage in sexually risky behavior, as your inhibitions may be limited.

The use of Viagra and methamphetamine heavily correlates with having casual and unprotected sex with more sex partners which can put you at high risk for certain diseases and infections.

These can include hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or STDs.

Some demographics are at higher risk of contracting STDs, including African Americans.

On the other hand, men who have sex with men (MSM), like gay men and bisexual men, are at higher risk of developing HIV or AIDs.

Specifically, your risk of HIV infection can increase when you have anal intercourse without a condom. Spreading STIs and other diseases can quickly become a public health issue.

It’s important to practice safe sex with condom use and other harm reduction tactics with every sexual partner to engage in HIV prevention whether you’re HIV-positive or HIV-negative.

Addiction Treatment For Meth Addiction

Another way you can treat the sexual side effects of methamphetamine is to stop using the drug entirely and seek help from a health care provider.

If you’re located near Boston, Bedrock Recovery Center is an effective option to help support you in your recovery journey. We offer personalized treatment for all kinds of substance abuse.

Treatment options for meth can range from detox, recovery education, inpatient or outpatient services, and therapy.

Find Substance Use Disorder Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

If you or your loved one are looking for help with treating a meth addiction, call our helpline at Bedrock Recovery Center to learn more about our addiction recovery programs.