homehome Home chatchat Notifications


Alcohol might lead to postsexual regret more than ecstasy or marijuana

Men experienced sexual dysfunction when consuming alcohol or taking molly, while women had problems when smoking pot.

Francesca Schiopca
February 21, 2018 @ 10:53 pm

share Share

A new psychological study reveals that drinking might lead to post-sex regret more than ecstasy or marijuana consumption.

Via Pixabay/bridgesward

According to the scientists, alcohol is more strongly associated with heightened perceived sexual effects like perceived sexual attractiveness of self and others, sexual desire, length of intercourse, and sexual outgoingness.

The paper, published in the journal Psychology & Sexuality, says that male participants experienced sexual dysfunction when consuming alcohol or taking MDMA (the main psychoactive ingredient in ‘ecstasy’ pills), but female participants suffered sexual difficulties when smoking pot. Interesting, right?

“A lot of studies suggest that the use of various drugs increases the chances for sexually risky behavior, but few have examined the actual sexual effects of drugs,” said Joseph J. Palamar of New York University, an author of the study, to the Psypost.

Ecstasy pills
Via Wikipedia

“Whether or not someone uses a condom while high is important. However, limiting research to this behavior really ignores the actual sexual responses associated with drug use that may in fact influence one’s decision to have sex with or without a condom.”

Scientists gathered interviews from 679 young people between the ages 18 and 25 right outside New York’s nightclubs and dance festivals. They found out that alcohol made them feel sexier than the other drugs.

“Each drug is associated with its own level of sexual risk,” said Palamar. “Alcohol is likely the riskiest as use is not only so common but also promoted throughout much of society. Even if sex itself isn’t risky while on alcohol, post-sex regret is extremely common as users may hook up with someone they normally wouldn’t have sex with.”

There was no surprise that ecstasy was found to be the drug most associated with an increased body and sex organ sensitivity, as well as increased sexual intensity. After all, its name speaks for itself.

The study has its limitations though: researchers only relied on self-reports. Another thing we ought to consider is that youngsters often mix these drugs up, and it’s rather difficult to say what substance has which effect. And let’s not forget that… well, users are prone to forget things when under the influence of psychoactive substances.

share Share

A Brain Implant Just Turned a Woman’s Thoughts Into Speech in Near Real Time

This tech restores speech in real time for people who can’t talk, using only brain signals.

Using screens in bed increases insomnia risk by 59% — but social media isn’t the worst offender

Forget blue light, the real reason screens disrupt sleep may be simpler than experts thought.

Beetles Conquered Earth by Evolving a Tiny Chemical Factory

There are around 66,000 species of rove beetles and one researcher proposes it's because of one special gland.

We Should Start Worrying About Space Piracy. Here's Why This Could be A Big Deal

“We are arguing that it’s already started," say experts.

An Experimental Drug Just Slashed Genetic Heart Risk by 94%

One in 10 people carry this genetic heart risk. There's never been a treatment — until now.

We’re Getting Very Close to a Birth Control Pill for Men

Scientists may have just cracked the code for male birth control.

A New Antibiotic Was Hiding in Backyard Dirt and It Might Save Millions

A new antibiotic works when others fail.

Researchers Wake Up Algae That Went Dormant Before the First Pyramids

Scientists have revived 7,000-year-old algae from Baltic Sea sediments, pushing the limits of resurrection ecology.

A Fossil So Strange Scientists Think It’s From a Completely New Form of Life

This towering mystery fossil baffled scientists for 180 Years and it just got weirder.

ChatGPT Seems To Be Shifting to the Right. What Does That Even Mean?

ChatGPT doesn't have any political agenda but some unknown factor is causing a subtle shift in its responses.