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“Chemical Seduction”: a narrative review of the complex impact of recreational drugs on sexual function

International Journal of Impotence Research (2025)Cite this article

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Abstract

Humans have long used various substances to enhance sexual pleasure and performance, often at the expense of their overall health. This review investigates the sexual-related effects of recreational drugs, including amphetamines, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), mephedrone, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and ketamine. By examining anecdotal evidence, self-reports, and limited scientific data, this study aims to clarify the current understanding of these drugs’ effects on sexual function. Amphetamines, potent central nervous system stimulants, are associated with increased sexual desire and arousal, delayed ejaculation and prolonged sexual sessions, and heightened orgasm intensity. However, their use is also linked to compulsive sexual behavior, erectile dysfunction with chronic use, and a high risk of dependency. MDMA, known for its empathogenic properties, enhances intimacy, physical sensuality, and sexual desire while intensifying orgasm. Nevertheless, it can impair erectile and ejaculatory function, with prolonged use leading to chronic sexual dysfunction. Mephedrone, a synthetic cathinone with stimulant effects similar to amphetamines, increases sexual desire and reduces inhibitions, though specific evidence regarding its sexual-related impacts remains limited. GHB, with its combined stimulant and depressant properties, is often used to enhance sexual experiences. Its effects include increased arousal, intensified orgasm, lowered inhibitions, and greater sexual openness. However, its use carries a substantial risk of dependency. Finally, ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic used recreationally for its euphoric effects, shows minimal associations with sexual function, with limited evidence pointing to reduced inhibitions. Chronic use is linked to urinary and sexual dysfunction. Across all substances, unsafe sexual behaviors and a heightened risk of STI/HIV transmission emerge as major negative consequences, underscoring the broader health risks associated with sexualized drug use. This review highlights the need for greater awareness of both the perceived benefits and risks of sexualized associated with sexualized drug use. It underscores the necessity for rigorous, controlled research to better understand the effects of these substances on sexual function and calls for the development of legitimate treatment options for sexual dysfunction, which are often inadequately addressed through illicit drug use.

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Fig. 1: Possible pathways linking recreational drugs, neurotransmitters, and sexually related effects.

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Funding

No financial assistance was received to support the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel, Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel

    Nir Meller

  2. The Department of Urology, the Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel, Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel

    Noam Kitrey

Authors
  1. Nir Meller
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  2. Noam Kitrey
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Contributions

NM designed the study, acquired the data, and drafted the manuscript; NK helped write the manuscript, provided feedback, and approved the final version.

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Correspondence to Nir Meller.

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Meller, N., Kitrey, N. “Chemical Seduction”: a narrative review of the complex impact of recreational drugs on sexual function. Int J Impot Res (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-025-01194-4

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