Sexual health is one of the most important elements of general happiness, and matters of sexual health are about much more than just the physical aspects of sex; they involve a variety of emotions, mental states and behaviors, and social relations. As such, in the past few decades, attitudes towards sex and drugs and the ways in which these two aspects of culture meld and intertwine have changed dramatically. This shift means that it is even more necessary to reshape our sexual health education to reflect comments practices.
Modern culture reveals that sex has been normalized. Around the world, discussing sexual issues has become a part of daily life. Sex has become an essential part of physical human nature as a common phenomenon that is no longer announced as taboo. Of the tendency to accept sex as part of our daily life, sexual activities have increased with teenage pregnancies and delinquencies, and after another, the world is practicing providing good sex education. The frequency of drug usage has raised attention. Movies and entertainment media have been sticking some drug effects as enhancing sexual performance and physical sensation. Consequence impacts on people's mentality and lifestyle have been adopted in sexual activities.
Alcohol
Its depressant effects slow down the central nervous system and have long been used to reduce inhibitions and boost confidence—making social interactions and sexual ones less awkward, less inhibited, and less stilted. A drink can loosen people up and help them feel more carefree. They might feel more sexually open and aware and become more interested in sexual activity.
Usage
For the person drinking, this reduction of anxiety and increase in sociability might make it easier to approach sex. And suppose the engorgement of the penis is involuntary, but the interested look is voluntary, and alcohol can make us more talkative and friendly. In that case, alcohol is like liquid courage: fear of rejection or loss of face is reduced by alcohol, and flirting is easier when we feel less inhibited. In the social arena of pubs, bars, and parties, alcohol works as a social lubricant, priming and making people feel more comfortable and willing to begin conversations that could lead to sex.
Risks
The major one is that inhibitions are lifted, which can promote risk-taking and encourage reckless sexual activity—such as engaging in unprotected sex that might lead to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or engagement in unprotected sexual activity that could result in unintended pregnancy, or any other outcome that a sober and well-adjusted person would prefer to avoid – and induce psychological addiction so that a person believes that they cannot engage in sex without being intoxicated with alcohol or other mind-altering drugs.
Cannabis
Several studies have suggested that sex under the influence of cannabis can be enhanced through an increase in the actor-observer attribution bias, sensitivity to touch, sensory perception, a peak in cerebral blood flow, a shift in the Rogowski Diagram, and a correlated Yang energetic imbalance in the wood and heart energy meridians.
Usage
Cannabis has antianxiety effects, which is another reason it's a sexual enhancer, especially in women, who are more prone to suffering from performance anxiety. Sometimes, you can't get in the mood. Some marijuana users have reported marijuana helps with orgasm delay, while others—especially women—find that it speeds up their orgasms. Case in point: “I get to climax TOO easily. Oh boy, let me tell you—wine and pot are my FAVORITE.” Unfortunately, marijuana use doesn't have benefits for every woman; some mothers have found that getting high is the only way they can relax enough to breastfeed.
Risks
Yet there is a real danger in that big C: taking enough THC to elevate sexual pleasure often impairs motor skills, making sexual performance difficult and frustrating when that motive is involved. Also common with cannabis consumption, especially higher doses, can be psychotic reactions such as anxiety or paranoia, which often contribute to poor sexual experiences. These side effects highlight the need for care and caution in using cannabis for sexual purposes.
Ecstasy (MDMA)
Ecstasy (MDMA or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a synthetic drug known for its euphoric and empathogenic qualities. The drug can contribute to a feeling of abandonment, sexual expansiveness, and a sense of connection and open intimacy that can help to foster sexual oneness. Ecstasy personalizes and intensifies our connectedness, increasing feelings of closeness and empathy and transforming sexual encounters into more emotionally rich and profound experiences.
Usage
MDMA also enhances pleasure, be it from touch or intercourse. Prolonged eye contact and a rush of exquisite sensation are often reported among the effects of MDMA, increasing users' capacity to enjoy sex. The therapeutic potential of MDMA in PTSD treatment is thought to revolve around a distinct “empathogenic” action wherein subjects develop feelings of closeness with their interpersonal surroundings, diminishing anxiety or panic associated with trauma recall.
Risks
Though pleasurable, ecstasy is risky in many ways; the drug also encourages dehydration and overheating, and because it's often used to prolong sex or used in conjunction with physical exertion, this risks violence. People under the influence of ecstasy may not drink enough water or stop to cool down and may not realize that they are at risk. There's also the issue of long-term neurotoxicity. Repeated use of ecstasy leads to neurodegeneration because the drug damages serotonin-producing neurons in the raphe nuclei. This can have impacts on mood and cognitive functioning.
Poppers
Poppers relax muscle tissue, including smooth muscle, and can make anal sex easier and more enjoyable. The vasodilation properties of poppers increase blood flow and sensation, allowing for better orgasms.
Usage
Their ability to relax smooth muscle makes poppers help ease the passage of the “dry” penis and buttocks, making anal sex easier and taking away the pain that such penetration often causes. Poppers increase blood flow and sensation, which can lead to better orgasms, a faster path to orgasm, and a more intense climax. Various legislation amongst countries may also be a factor, although some brands such as Poppers Shop have established themselves in the online market.
Risks
There are also risks to consuming poppers, not least because inhalation can deliver the drugs directly into the lungs, which can lead to rapid and irregular heartbeat, respiratory paralysis, and even unconsciousness. A particularly concerning effect is the mechanism by which poppers interact with the drugs used to treat sexual dysfunction.
Viagra (Sildenafil)
Thanks to Viagra, men can elicit erectile responses to what are sometimes considered kitsch romantic gestures. The drug enhances erectile function by promoting blood flow to the penis. This increase can assist men in becoming erect and remaining erect throughout the sexual episode. Viagra often functions as a way to “make good”—it can dip into the nostalgic feelings associated with the old rom-com tropes to improve reliability in the sexual arena. However, in some instances, this nostalgic way of reconceptualizing infertility can go a step further.
Usage
Viagra helps men achieve and maintain erections and thereby enhances sexual performance and satisfaction. When men can achieve or maintain erections, performance anxiety, and low confidence can be reduced.
Risks
Viagra enhances sexual function, but it could also cause headache, flushing, or indigestion and, in rare cases, cause vision or hearing loss. Those with moderate to severe heart disease who also take nitrates or several other medications with Viagra risk significant cardiovascular complications.
Generally, drugs can increase desire or potency, and sometimes both, but often at a high price. Our understanding of these relationships continues to evolve, and we still need more information to formulate the most effective solutions. In the years ahead, fostering a candid dialogue through comprehensive sexual education that includes a discussion of the effects and dangers of drug use can help to encourage open communication between children and their caregivers, allowing them to develop their sexual scripts.