Drug abuse can affect your sexual performance, even after years of abstaining from drugs. Understanding the potential consequences of drug abuse might be just the thing to encourage you to get treatment before your situation becomes severe. Ongoing drug abuse can result in difficulties with your sexual performance and your reproductive system, whether you are male or female. These difficulties can set in no matter how old you are, and in fact many problems are commonly reported among young adults.
Drug Abuse and Sexual Performance
Although alcohol is the number one drug responsible for damaging sexual performance, drugs such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and more can also have a detrimental effect. It was once believed that after men stop drug abuse, they are able to regain their former level of sexual performance, but researchers have recently discovered that this may not be the case.
According to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, 36.4% of male drug abusers reported erectile dysfunction, or the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. The study suggested that men who engage in drug abuse have increased odds of experiencing erectile dysfunction and a more difficult time achieving orgasm. It’s a common misconception that cocaine acts as an aphrodisiac, because it can actually link to problems with ejaculation.
Drug Abuse and the Male Reproductive System
Drug abuse can hamper your immune system, which can make you more susceptible to contracting sexually transmitted infections. Intravenous drug abuse also increases your risks for becoming infected. In some cases, drug abuse may even lead to shrinkage in the testes. This occurs because of the effects of drug abuse on your endocrine system, which leads to fluctuating hormones and can result in fertility issues such as decreased sperm counts and low-mobility sperm. Some men also report enlarged breasts and weight gain as a response to hormonal changes due to drug abuse.
Because drug abuse also inhibits your ability to make rational decisions, it can lead to risky sexual behavior. This could also result in a sexually transmitted infection, which could lead to ongoing problems with sexual performance and reproductive health.
Sexual Performance and Recovery
Unfortunately, drug abuse can have a lasting effect on your sexual performance, but continued treatment and sobriety can, over time, improve the situation. During recovery you can address some of your physical and psychological challenges related to drug abuse and sexual dysfunction. Trained professionals can help you find the tools you need to enter a life of recovery.
If you or someone you love is suffering from the effects of alcohol abuse, substance addiction or any other type of addiction, please call us today. Our addiction treatment counselors can help you deal with physical, emotional and psychological consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. A substance abuse treatment program is effective, safe and has helped many men reclaim their lives. Destination Hope is a full service drug, alcohol and dual diagnosis treatment facility in Florida for men suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues.
