Cocaine and Sex Drive: Causes and Effects

Regarding the subject of cocaine and sex drive – it’s been observed that while initially cocaine may increase libido, chronic use can lead to sexual dysfunction and decreased desire. But how and why does this happen?

Cocaine is an addictive drug and a powerful stimulant. The latest figures taken from a crime survey in England and Wales show that 3.7% of adults aged 16-59 used cocaine in 2020-2021. Similar to other addictive substances, cocaine can have a detrimental effect on someone’s career, relationships, work performance, and finances.

It’s a less-known side effect, but it using this drug can impact sexual health, sexual performance and sex drive. In this article, we look at the impact that cocaine can have on someone’s sex drive as well as what you can do if you’re worried about your own cocaine use or someone you care about.

 

Does Cocaine Increase Sex Drive?

When someone ingests cocaine, part of the drug’s metabolites travels to the brain’s reward system, where the brain’s neurotransmitters work. These neurotransmitters are responsible for the brain’s production of dopamine – the feel-good chemical that sends messages of pleasure and reward around the body.

Addictive substances like cocaine interrupt the natural production of dopamine and cause a surge in feel-good chemicals. Over time and with prolonged use, the brain begins to associate dopamine with addictive substances like cocaine, and the body’s natural level of the feel-good chemical will begin to reduce.

As well as feelings of reward and pleasure, this high level of dopamine can also lead to feelings of sexual desire and arousal, which is why some people experience an increased sex drive when they’re under the influence of cocaine. This surge in feelings is often only temporary, though and is often followed by a crash in feelings and emotions, where the sexual desire also decreases, and a change in sex drive occurs.

 

Cocaine and Sexual Performance

As mentioned above, cocaine can impact someone’s sexual desire, but this can be short-lived.

Research has also shown that addictive substances like cocaine can have detrimental effects on sexual performance. This is because cocaine can interfere with the body’s natural processes required for a healthy sexual relationship, including issues with erectile dysfunction, maintaining desire and arousal and being able to achieve orgasm. Cocaine is also known to reduce blood flow to certain areas, including the genital area, which can add to further sexual dysfunction.

As well as this, cocaine use can impact someone’s mood and behaviour, which can have negative consequences on sexual intimacy and their relationship with others. Cocaine users can also become compulsive and more likely to take risks which can again impact personal relationships and sexual relationships.

 

 

The Influence of a Cocaine Sex Drive

As mentioned above, cocaine can make someone more likely to engage in risky behaviour and can also decrease their inhibitions. This can all impact sexual relationships as the individual may be more open to risky sexual behaviours that they may not have considered when not under the influence.

This includes having unprotected sex and also sex with multiple partners. Cocaine can make someone feel more sexual urges, but again this is usually only temporary and will result in a crash in feelings.

Continuous behaviour of this type, and engaging in risky sexual relationships for prolonged periods can also lead to someone developing new sexual preferences. They may also find that they have decreased interest or satisfaction from sexual relationships and activities when they’re not having sex on cocaine.

 

Physical Consequences of Cocaine Abuse on Sexual Health

Figures from a study into ‘Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in England’ carried out by Public Health England found that the number of new STI cases among people who used drugs had increased to 9.5%.

This is believed to be because those who take cocaine regularly are more likely to engage in highly risky sexual behaviour, such as sex with multiple partners and unprotected sex on coke. Both of these behaviours increase the chance of someone developing STIs.

However, that’s not the only physical consequence of cocaine abuse that can impact sexual health. Erectile dysfunction from drug use is very common and can either happen from prolonged drug use or cocaine intoxication. This is because cocaine restricts blood flow to certain body parts.

Cocaine can also lead to health conditions like delayed ejaculation and the inability to achieve orgasm, which can both impact sexual performance and desire. Again, this is because the drug has an effect on the body’s central nervous system and interferes with normal responses.

Another impact of cocaine abuse on sex is that the drug can cause genital numbness – either for a short period or a prolonged time. This is because blood flow around the body can be altered. Studies have also shown that cocaine can cause genital and urinary tract issues leading to infection, inflammation and damage to the reproductive system, bladder and urethra. This can lead to pain, urinary problems and even cocaine and infertility.

Studies also show that cocaine use can lead to menstrual irregularities and hormonal imbalances, which can again impact someone’s libido and overall sexual health.

 

Seeking Help and Recovery Options for Cocaine Abuse

Cocaine is a very addictive drug that can soon take a toll on various aspects of someone’s life, including their relationships and sexual life. If left untreated, serious consequences can occur, impacting someone’s sexual health long-term and even causing infertility.

For this reason, it is important to get the right help fast if you are concerned about your own cocaine use or someone you care about.

By speaking to a professional, be it a GP or one of our friendly team, individuals can have their situation assessed quickly and will be able to access the right help and treatment. This means they’ll be better able to improve their health and can take the necessary steps to restore their healthy relationships with others too. Acting fast means individuals can find a treatment that works for them. Whether it’s individual or group counselling, inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programmes or community initiatives.

It is important to remember that there is help out there. So if you have any questions about the available services in your area or perhaps have a question about cocaine and its effects on sex, including drug use and erectile dysfunction, why not contact our friendly and professional team today? By taking the first step, you will be closer to a healthier and happy future.