Taking psychedelics like LSD linked with improved pleasure during sex

DPA
·1 min read
Until now, evidence that psychedelics like LSD and magic mushrooms improved sex was largely only anecdotal. Authors of a new study now believe it improves pleasure and communication during sex, as well as satisfaction with a partner. Christin Klose/dpa
Until now, evidence that psychedelics like LSD and magic mushrooms improved sex was largely only anecdotal. Authors of a new study now believe it improves pleasure and communication during sex, as well as satisfaction with a partner. Christin Klose/dpa

Psychedelic experiences are linked with "improved sexual function," according to some of the first scientific research into the influence of psychedelics on sex.

The improvements can be seen months after the psychedelic experience brought on by taking magic mushrooms, LSD and other drugs, the research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, found.

Researchers from the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London surveyed 261 people, mostly from the US, before and after a psychedelic experience.

People reported improvements across a range of areas of sexual function – including better communication with their partners, feeling more satisfied with their partner and their own appearance and a “greater sexual pleasure during sex” – for up to six months after their psychedelic experience, the authors said.

"We believe this is the first scientific study to explore the effects of psychedelics on sexual functioning," Tommaso Barba, first author of the study, said.

“Our findings suggest potential implications for conditions that negatively affect sexual health, including clinical depression and anxiety. This is particularly significant given that sexual dysfunction, often induced by antidepressants, frequently results in people stopping these medications and subsequently relapsing.”