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Chemsex, or the deliberate use of drugs during sex, is becoming an increasingly relevant topic. Many see it as a way to intensify sexual experiences or to reduce inhibitions.
However, what initially seems promising carries serious health risks. Alongside obvious dangers such as addiction and mental health issues, sexual health is also significantly affected. In particular, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common consequence of drug use. But how exactly is chemsex related to ED, and what can you do if you are affected?
What is Chemsex?
Chemsex1 refers to the use of psychoactive substances during sexual activities. The term is attributed to HIV activist David Stuart2. Drugs like mephedrone, GHB/GBL, or crystal meth are commonly used to enhance sexual experiences, reduce inhibitions, and prolong sexual endurance.
The problem: the combination of drugs and sex leads not only to physical dependency but also to a considerable strain on mental health. The desire for increasingly intense experiences can quickly spiral into a vicious cycle. Although it might initially be about fun and relaxation, the health costs are often hidden. For those wanting more details, this study3 provides further insights.
Chemsex and the LGBTQ+ Community
In recent years, chemsex4 has taken on a special significance in the LGBTQ+ community. Especially among gay men, it is often seen as a way to create more intense sexual experiences, feel more relaxed with activities like fisting, or to increase the thrill during anal sex. For some, it is also a means of coping with social anxiety and the pressure of meeting their partner’s sexual expectations.
Therefore, it is all the more important to inform yourself early on about the risks and seek help if needed to protect both your sexual and mental health.
How Does Chemsex Impact Sexual Health?
The substances used in chemsex affect not only the brain but also the entire body. While many drugs temporarily increase desire and lower inhibitions, the long-term effect is often the opposite. One of the most common outcomes is erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to achieve or maintain an erection.
Physical and Mental Effects
Chemsex drugs have various effects on the body, but all can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. Drugs like mephedrone or crystal meth intensely stimulate the body, straining blood circulation and disrupting the body’s natural ability to achieve an erection.
Specifically, heart rate and blood pressure can become unbalanced, leading to lasting damage. Some substances also affect the central nervous system, potentially disrupting the transmission of nerve impulses—an essential factor in sexual arousal.
Mental factors also play a significant role. Many people experience depressive moods or anxiety after using chemsex drugs. These mental states not only reduce sexual desire but can also impact self-confidence, further diminishing the ability to maintain an erection. This often leads to a vicious cycle: the fear of failure exacerbates ED symptoms, and drugs become an escape from these anxieties.
Long-term Consequences and Treatment Options
Long-term chemsex use can exacerbate erectile dysfunction and even cause permanent damage. Many individuals realize too late that their sexual performance is declining, as drugs initially mask the symptoms. However, over time it becomes increasingly difficult to achieve an erection without aids or drugs, whether alone or with a partner. In severe cases, erectile function may not return even after stopping drug use, as the body and brain may have sustained lasting damage.
One proven treatment option for ED is medication such as sildenafil5, vardenafil, or tadalafil, which enhances blood flow to the penis, aiding erection. In addition to medical solutions, it is equally important to address the psychological causes of ED. Therapy or counseling is highly recommended to deal with underlying fears or drug use and to improve long-term sexual health.
Prevention and Support Services
There is a growing number of initiatives addressing the risks of chemsex and erectile dysfunction. Support groups and online communities offer safe spaces to share experiences and receive support. Professional counseling, tailored specifically to gay men and their unique challenges, is also becoming increasingly available. Seeking help, including from official addiction counseling services6, is an essential step in breaking the cycle of drug use and ED and ultimately returning to a fulfilling sex life.
In urgent cases, simply dial emergency services at 112. Additionally, you can look into first aid measures for chemsex7 emergencies.
In Summary
Although chemsex may seem exciting and liberating in the short term, it carries significant risks to physical and mental health—especially concerning sexual performance. Regular drug use can lead not only to erectile dysfunction but also to long-term damage that can be challenging to treat. Alongside physical impairments, psychological factors such as anxiety and depression also play a significant role.
Anyone experiencing erectile issues should not hesitate to seek help. A combination of medical treatment and psychological support is often the best solution.
- https://www.aidshilfe.de/chemsex ↩︎
- https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140-6736(22)00388-9.pdf ↩︎
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338865827_Lust_und_Rausch_durch_Chemsex_Ergebnisse_aus_dem_German_Chemsex_Survey_2018 ↩︎
- https://www.iwwit.de/schwuler-sex/einbahnstrasse-in-den-sonnenuntergang/ ↩︎
- https://www.doktorabc.com/de/maennergesundheit/erektionsstoerungen/potenzmittel/sildenafil/dosierung-von-sildenafil ↩︎
- https://www.bzga.de/service/beratungsstellen/suchtprobleme/ ↩︎
- https://www.aidshilfe.de/shop/chemsex-erste-hilfe ↩︎
Photo by @felipepelaquim on Unsplash
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