Nootropics and Sex

“Birds do it. Bees do it. Even educated MD's do it.” – Fox Mulder

Sex is an essential part of life. Without it, none of us would be here. It's one of the most pleasurable activities a human being (or any animal, for that matter) can engage in.

You might be surprised to learn that there are nootropics that can make sex even better. To enjoy sex as much as possible, it's important to be relaxed yet energized, calm yet focused. There are several nootropics that do just that.

In this post, we're gonna look at several nootropics that can improve your sex life. But first, let's talk about sex, baby – nootropics and sex!

Nootropics And Sex

Even though sex is something that all people have in common, everyone experiences it differently. Some people are always in the mood, ready to go at the drop of a hat. Others need a lot of encouragement, getting aroused slowly. Everyone's libido is different.

What is libido, exactly? It's another way of saying sex drive. Your libido is basically your appetite for sexual activity. Some people have a high libido, desiring sex several times a day. Others have a low libido, only wanted sex every once in a while or not at all.

There are a number of factors that determine whether you have a high or low libido. Biological and psychological factors play a role in how high your sex drive is. Fortunately, there are things you can do to improve both if your libido isn't as high as you'd like it to be.

Psychological factors that can influence your libido include mood, anxiety, stress, feelings of intimacy (or lack thereof), and environmental distractions. If you're not feeling connected to your partner or have been suffering from depression, for example, it may have a negative impact on your libido.

Biological factors that play a role in how high your libido is include levels of certain hormones and neurotransmitters, medications and supplements you're taking, how rested you are, if you're a smoker, and other factors. Hormones and neurotransmitters that are known to affect libido include testosterone, estrogen, dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, phenethylamine, progesterone, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine.

There are several nootropic supplements that can affect these hormones and neurotransmitters in ways that increase libido. Let's take a look at some nootropics that not only boost cognitive performance but also sexual appetite and performance.

Nootropic Libido Enhancers

Maca

This is a plant that has been used by men and women all over the world to increase both sexual and cognitive performance. Maca is a vegetable that is in the same family of plants as broccoli and has been used safely for centuries.

Both men and women often experience an increase in libido when taking maca. It does not increase testosterone or estrogen levels but increases libido through other non-hormonal mechanisms.

Maca can also have a nootropic effect for some people. Users often report more mental clarity and energy in addition to more sexual energy. Side effects seem to be very rare and go away as soon as maca is discontinued. The most common side effect of maca is upset stomach and this can often be avoided by taking maca with food.

You can learn more about maca here.

Horny Goat Weed

With a name like horny goat weed, it isn't hard to tell that this is a libido enhancer. But, in addition to sexual benefits, it can also have nootropic effects.

Epimedium, more commonly known as horny goat weed, is a plant that has been used all over the world as an aphrodisiac and erectile aid. Horny goat weed got its name when farmers noticed that goats and sheep who ate a lot of the plant displayed an increase in sexual activity.

It also has the same effect in humans. Horny goat weed is able to increase libido in both men and women. It contains icariin, a flavonoid known to boost sex drive in both genders. In males, horny goat weed not only increases libido but also improves erectile function.

You can learn more about horny goat weed here.

Panax Ginseng

Also known as the one true ginseng, Panax ginseng can have a number of nootropic and sexual benefits. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a number of conditions.

Both men and women have reported an increase in sexual desire when taking ginseng. Some users also report an improvement in mood, a reduction in anxiety, and overall cognitive improvement. Side effects from ginseng are uncommon but may include insomnia, anxiety, euphoria, diarrhea, and headache. If you experience any of these side effects, simply stop taking ginseng.

You can learn more about Panax ginseng here.

Yohimbe

This is a plant that grows naturally in Africa and has been used in traditional African medicine for centuries. It has been used to increase libido, improve erectile function, and as a general stimulant.

Yohimbe contains the alkaloid yohimbine, which is largely responsible for yohimbe's effects. Yohimbine works on adrenaline receptors in the body which, at least in part, explains its sexual and nootropic effects.

Although yohimbe has traditionally been used to treat erectile dysfunction in men, some women report an increase in libido when taking it. Yohimbe also has a slight stimulant effect in some people. Users report an increase in energy and motivation.

You can learn more about yohimbe here.

Other Ways To Increase Libido

The four libido-enhancing nootropics above all have plenty of science and anecdotal reports to support their safety and effectiveness for most people. There are also a few other things you can do to increase your sex drive.

For both men and women, it's important to make sure you're getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Decreased libido is a symptom of several vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

For men, it's especially important to make sure you're getting enough zinc. This mineral plays a crucial role in testosterone production. Women need zinc, too, but a deficiency in men can seriously slow down your sex drive. Other important vitamins and minerals for healthy sexual function in men include vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium and B vitamins.

If you don't eat at least 5 or 6 fruits and vegetables every day, you should supplement with a multivitamin to make sure you're getting all the micronutrients you need. I recommend GNC's Mega Men's Multivitamin. Even though I eat a lot of fruits and veggies, I take 2 every morning to make sure my body has everything it needs for optimal cognitive and sexual functioning.

For women, getting enough vitamins and minerals is just as important for healthy sexual functioning as it is in men. Women also need zinc for healthy hormone production. Their bodies also make testosterone, just much less of it than men. Other important micronutrients that women need include vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium.

Women should also take a multivitamin, especially if they're not eating at least 5 or 6 fruits and vegetables daily. GNC's Women's Ultra Mega has everything a woman needs and packs an entire day's worth of vitamins and minerals into one pill.

Lastly, whether you're a man or a woman, it's important that you get enough sleep. Not getting adequate sleep is one of the fastest ways to tank your libido. Make sure you're getting at least 7-8 hours of restful sleep every night. Both your brain and body work much better when you're rested.

Conclusion

Sex is great and it can be even better with the nootropics listed above. Whether you're trying to increase a low sex drive or you just want a little extra boost, these nootropics work for most people and generally have few, if any, side effects.

For peak sexual performance, make sure you're getting enough rest and all the micronutrients your body needs. Taking a multivitamin every day and getting 7-8 hours of restful sleep will ensure that your body is ready to go at all times.

You may also want to check out The Top 5 Natural Nootropics. Many people have reported increased libido and other sexual benefits from taking one or more of the adaptogens on the list.