MDMA and Human Sexual Function

This retrospective survey study (n=26) examined self-reported sexuality under the influence of MDMA (≈125mg) compared to sober state and found that it increased emotional closeness, enhanced receptivity to being sexual, and was often chosen as a sexual enhancer by the participants, but it did not stimulate the desire to initiate sex and decreased erectile ability in 46% of the male participants.

Abstract

“Although many MDMA users describe sexual enhancement from MDMA. there are no published reports of studies that systematically examine the effects of MDMA on sexual function. In an unpublished study of 29 patients undergoing MDMA-augmented psychotherapy, Greer (1983) reported one occurrence of anorgasmia the day after ingestion and one occurrence of decreased sexual desire lasting one or two days. One couple in the study reported enhanced sexual enjoyment following an MDMA session, partly due to delayed orgasm.”

Authors: John Buffum & Charles Moser

Summary

Although many MDMA users describe sexual enhancement from MDMA, there are no published reports of studies that specifically examine the effects of MDMA on sexual function.

METHODS

A study was done to investigate the effects of MDMA on sexual function. A self-report questionnaire was used to gather information and a sample of people who had taken MDMA was interviewed.

RESULTS

Of the 300 questionnaires distributed, 76 were filled out and returned. All but one female and one male indicated prior use of other hallucinogens.

The most common dose of MDMA taken was 125 mg. Four women and six men had used it intramuscularly, and one male as well as one female had used it by subcutaneous injection.

When asked if MDMA had caused them health or emotional problems, 28 females and 29 males answered no, but one male and one female remarked that they had so far not been able to stop using MDMA due to these problems.

When asked about the quality of the orgasms they had on MDM, 26 % of women and 7 % of men said it was better, 2 % said it was worse, 16 % said it was worse, and 13 % said they had never had an orgasm on MDMA.

A majority of respondents said that MDMA has not helped them with their sexual problems. Eight women stated that M []MA helped them overcome their sexual issues, and the following comments were obtained: “Used it to forgive my c hi ld hoo d moles tations and learn to control my pelvic muscles.” From the 10 men (37′;’) who also said that MDM A helped them overcome sexual inhibitions, the following words were derived: “More openness”; “More receptive to my partner’s love and sexuality toward me”; “More relaxed to just let things happen”; and “No, it helped my wife a little.”

MDMA use does not appear to have any temporary effects on sexual pattern in women or men. Of the nine men who reported using MDMA, the following comments were made: “More experience of trust and safety”, “Feeling less sexual for a few days”), “Increased frequency and duration of sexual relations”, “Seeking king-like-minded partners”), and “To enjoy sex, I must be relaxed”.

Temporary changes in their sexual behavior were observed, including: less need for ejaculation, less need for urgency, and easier access to sex ua l ac tivity.

16 of the women and 18 of the men said no to long-lasting changes in sexual behavior, but 6 of the women said yes and had the following comments: increased communication on all counts and increased perception of needs. The e ig ht men who indicated long-lasting changes were more receptive, more loving and more sensitve, had more relaxed attitudes, were less anxious, and needed less oxygen.

All 35 women thought MDMA increased feelings of emotional clarity, and most men felt the effects were not related to dose.

When asked if they had ever used MDMA to enhance a sexual experience, 74 % of women and 8 % of men said no, but 18 % of women and 17 % of men said they would.

As shown in Table V, MDMA has mixed effects on female sexual function. Most men reported decreased ability to have an orgasm or ejaculation, while no one said it increased it.

DISCUSSION

MDMA does not increase sexual activity or sexual desire in a majority of individuals, but enhances the feelin gs of emotional closeness in both males and females.

Most men and most women indicated that they felt more open to having sex while under the influence of MDMA, but this effect was not paralleled by an increased interest in initiating sexual acts in either the men or the women.

MDMA makes erections difficult, especially for males, and has no sexua l effects in a majority of subjects. It is most similar to MDA in its lack of visual hallucinations and enhancement of communication and emotional feelings.

Although the pre sent study was not designed to determine the use of MDM A in the treatment of sexual concerns, some people reported resolving sexual concerns through its use.