Sex on drugs

Powders, pills and sexy thrills have been the subject of more songs and urban legends than we can count. Putting some of the more romantic ideas to one side, here's the truth about sex on drugs.

Beware of the chafing.

Amphetamines (speed)

• High: The initial rush may lift the libido, but the feeling is unlikely to last.
• Low: Male users may find the penis is less sensitive or responsive, and ejaculation difficult to achieve. As a result, sex can last a long time – which places both partners at risk of chafing (rubbed raw skin). Painfully funny on paper. Pure pain, in reality.

Cannabis

• High: Users can feel less inhibited and unfriendly, while the increased sensory perception can turn stoners all touchy-feely.
• Low: Blokes on dope risk a reduction in testosterone production, and a drop in sperm count, while females may experience some fertility problems due to changes in ovulation and menstrual cycles.

Cocaine

• High: Cocaine is a stimulant drug. In small doses it can increase sexual arousal and make orgasms and erections easier.
• Low: In larger amounts, cocaine can still fuel sexual desire, while decreasing the ability to actually perform properly. Problems achieving erection and orgasm are very common – not to mention frustrating.

Ecstasy

• High: An increased sense of warmth and empathy towards your sexual partner. Some users feel they are more physically aroused, (although others report a loss of sensation and delayed orgasm).
• Low: Increases the chances of risky sexual behaviour. A recent study showed users were more likely not to bother using condoms or other forms of contraception. Also, the drug-induced sense of loving everyone around you could mean you end up sleeping with someone you don’t really like at all.

LSD/ Magic mushrooms

• High: Some people report an increased sexual awareness while tripping.
• Low: Trips are unpredictable. Hallucinating unpleasantly during sex could be traumatic, while a heavy dose may leave users totally turned off.

Opiates

• High: Drugs such as heroin, morphine and codeine belong to a drug group called opiates, which have a painkilling, detached effect. Codeine, in particular, is a feature in some strong over-the-counter painkilling products, so about the only appeal sex-wise is that headaches won’t wash as an excuse.
• Low: Opiate misuse can lead to full time problems such as impotence, lowered libido and difficulty attaining orgasm.

Poppers (alkyl nitrites)

• High: Some users take poppers during sex because they enjoy the brief, intense head rush and relaxant effect. Particularly popular among gay men, often because sniffing poppers relaxes the anal sphincter muscles, allowing anal sex to take place more easily.
• Low: Alkyl nitrites reduce blood pressure. This means Viagra users should steer clear as the combination could be fatal.

The potential effect of a drug on sex is just one of many factors to consider before taking any substance. Knowledge is power, so get wise to the risks involved.