Sex and drugs

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Sex and the use of drugs (legal and illegal) have been linked throughout human history, encompassing all aspects of sex: desire, performance, pleasure, conception, gestation, and disease.

Disinhibition[edit]

Drugs are frequently associated with reduced sexual inhibition, both when used voluntarily in social circumstances, and involuntarily, as in the case of some date rape drugs.

Because the use of drugs, including alcohol, is commonly presented as an excuse for risky or socially unacceptable behaviour, it is necessary to treat the idea of a direct causal relation between drug use and unsafe sex with caution. Drugs may provide a socially acceptable excuse for engaging in sexual behaviours in which people may want to engage but perhaps feel that they should not.[1]

Sexual function[edit]

Some forms of sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction can be treated with drugs. Because of their effects, erectile dysfunction drugs are sometimes used for recreational purposes.

Many drugs, both legal and illegal, some sold online, have side effects that affect the user's sexual function. Many drugs can cause loss of libido as a side effect.[2][3]

Since the partial cause of the refractory period is the inhibition of dopamine by an orgasm-induced secretion of prolactin,[4]

Contraception and abortion[edit]

Drug-based contraception has been available since the development of the contraceptive pill. As well as their contraceptive effects, contraceptive drugs can also have adverse sexual and reproductive side-effects. Prior to the availability of effective contraceptives, some substancies were also used as abortifacients to terminate pregnancy; medical abortion exists as a modern medical practice.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Race, Kane (2009). Pleasure Consuming Medicine: The Queer Politics of Drugs. Duke University Press. p. 176. ISBN 0822390884. 
  2. ^ Hoffman, JR; Ratamess, NA (2006). "Medical issues associated with anabolic steroid use: are they exaggerated?". Journal of sports science & medicine. 5 (2): 182–93. PMC 3827559Freely accessible. PMID 24259990. 
  3. ^ "FDA: 'Male enhancement' products deliver more than you bargained for". NBC News. March 21 2013. Retrieved January 16, 2018.  Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ Krüger TH, Haake P, Haverkamp J, et al. (December 2003). "Effects of acute prolactin manipulation on sexual drive and function in males". Journal of Endocrinology. 179 (3): 357–65. doi:10.1677/joe.0.1790357. PMID 14656205. 

External links[edit]