Sexual dysfunction is a common problem that affects many people, especially women. It can be caused by various factors, such as stress, trauma, hormonal imbalance, medication side effects, or physical conditions. However, the most common cause of sexual dysfunction is psychological: anxiety and self-monitoring.
Anxiety is a state of fear or nervousness that can interfere with sexual arousal and performance. It can make people worry about their appearance, their partner’s satisfaction, their ability to orgasm, or their potential for failure. Self-monitoring is a tendency to constantly evaluate oneself and one’s behavior during sexual activity. It can make people feel detached from their sensations, emotions, and partner. Both anxiety and self-monitoring can create a negative feedback loop that reduces sexual pleasure and confidence.
Many conventional treatments for sexual dysfunction, such as medication, therapy, or counseling, focus on addressing the symptoms rather than the underlying causes. They may also have unwanted side effects or limitations. For example, some antidepressants can reduce libido or delay orgasm. Some therapies may not be accessible or affordable for everyone. Some counseling may not be sensitive or supportive of diverse sexual orientations or preferences.
However, there is an alternative option that may offer a more holistic and natural way to improve sexual function and well-being: microdosing psilocybin mushrooms. Psilocybin mushrooms are a type of psychedelic fungi that contain a compound called psilocybin, which can induce profound changes in perception, mood, and cognition when taken in high doses. However, when taken in very small doses (about 5 to 10 percent of a recreational dose), psilocybin mushrooms can have subtle but noticeable effects on mood¹, creativity², focus², and productivity².
Microdosing psilocybin mushrooms may help address the root of sexual dysfunction by reducing anxiety and self-monitoring. According to some anecdotal reports from online forums³, microdosing mushrooms can enhance sexual desire, arousal, performance, and satisfaction. Some people claim that microdosing mushrooms makes them more relaxed, confident, playful, and adventurous in bed. Some people also say that microdosing mushrooms increases their sensitivity to touch, their emotional connection with their partner, and their ability to orgasm.
Microdosing psilocybin mushrooms may also have other benefits for mental health and well-being. Some studies have shown that full doses of psilocybin mushrooms can help treat depression⁴, anxiety⁴, addiction⁴, and end-of-life distress⁴. Microdosing mushrooms may have similar effects on a smaller scale. Some people report that microdosing mushrooms improves their mood², creativity², focus², happiness², and productivity². Microdosing mushrooms may also help form new neurological connections in the brain⁵ and mitigate the effects of psychological conditions such as ADHD⁵.
However, microdosing psilocybin mushrooms is not without risks or challenges. Microdosing psilocybin mushrooms should be done with caution and under the guidance of a professional or an experienced user. Microdosing mushrooms should not be seen as a magic bullet or a substitute for other forms of treatment or support. Microdosing mushrooms should be seen as a personal experiment that requires careful planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
Microdosing psilocybin mushrooms may offer a promising way to address the root of sexual dysfunction: anxiety and self-monitoring. By reducing these psychological barriers, microdosing mushrooms may enhance sexual function and well-being. However, microdosing mushrooms is not a simple or risk-free solution. It requires research, preparation, responsibility, and respect.
References
(1) Psychedelic microdosing hits a rough patch in clinical trials. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-02876-5.
(2) Shrooms and effects on Libido/Sex drive. – The Psychedelic Experience …. https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/3503686.
(3) Microdosing Psilocybin Mushrooms – Third Wave. https://thethirdwave.co/microdosing/mushrooms/.
(4) Some moms are microdosing mushrooms for anxiety and depression. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/02/08/microdosing-mushrooms-anxiety-depression-moms/.
(5) Microdosing with psilocybin mushrooms: a double-blind placebo … – PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35918311/.
Ashley Ryan, M.S. 