Last updated: October 2026
There’s no good research showing CBD directly increases libido or improves sex. Any benefit is likely indirect: some people find CBD helps them relax, and stress is a common reason for low desire. Don’t use ordinary CBD oils or balms as lubricant, as the NHS advises against oil-based lube with latex condoms.
This guide covers what the research actually shows for men and women, CBD lube, condom and medication safety, the scam adverts to avoid, and when to see a GP. CBD products are for adults only, and the FSA advises people trying to conceive, pregnant or breastfeeding not to take CBD.
Does CBD improve sex? What the evidence says
The honest answer is that it hasn’t been properly studied. The body’s endocannabinoid system is present in reproductive tissues and plays a role in sexual function, which is why the idea is plausible. But most research on cannabis and sex involves THC, the intoxicating compound in cannabis, not CBD, and those results don’t apply to THC-free CBD.
There are no controlled trials of oral CBD for libido, arousal or sexual satisfaction in men or women. Here’s what does exist:
| Study | What it looked at | What it tells us |
|---|---|---|
| Online survey, 2019 | 216 people who used cannabis (not CBD) around sex | Many said sex felt better or more relaxed, others said it made them sleepy or less focused. A self-selected sample of mostly THC users, so it says little about CBD |
| Small trial, 2025 | 40 women with vestibulodynia, a vulval pain condition, using a 5% CBD gel (with the terpene myrcene) or a placebo gel for 60 days | Both groups improved; pain during sex improved more with the CBD gel. One small trial in a specific medical condition, under specialist care. It doesn’t show CBD improves sex in general |
| Animal study, 2018 | Young male mice given CBD daily for 34 days | Delayed and reduced sexual behaviour, and lower fertility at the higher dose. Mouse doses don’t translate directly to people |
| Lab study, 2023 | Human testis tissue exposed to CBD and THC in the lab | No direct effect on testosterone production over 9 days. Long-term effects in people are unknown |
Put together, the research is thin: surveys, one small trial in a medical condition, and animal and lab work. Anyone claiming CBD is proven to boost libido, arousal or performance is going beyond the evidence.
Can CBD increase libido?
Not directly, as far as we know. Where people notice a difference, it’s most likely because they feel more relaxed. Stress, anxiety and tiredness are among the most common reasons for low desire, and many people use CBD to unwind. CBD isn’t a treatment for anxiety or low libido, and research on CBD and anxiety is still early; see CBD for anxiety: what the research shows and CBD for sleep.
Performance anxiety, worrying about how sex will go, can affect men and women alike. Talking to your partner, taking the pressure off, and talking therapies or relationship counselling through your GP tend to help far more than any supplement. If stress is the bigger picture, see how to relieve stress.
CBD for women’s arousal
CBD arousal oils, gels and creams for women are a growing market, but there are no good trials showing they improve arousal, lubrication or orgasm. Some contain other ingredients, such as warming or tingling agents, oils and fragrances, which can cause the sensations people notice and can also irritate.
If you have pain during sex, vaginal dryness or low desire, see your GP or a sexual health clinic. The NHS lists vaginal dryness and lower hormone levels around the menopause among the causes of low sex drive, and treatments such as vaginal lubricants and HRT are available. Related reading: CBD and menopause, perimenopause symptoms and CBD for PMS.
CBD and erectile dysfunction
There’s no evidence that CBD helps erectile dysfunction, and no trials have tested it. Occasional erection problems are usually linked to stress, tiredness or drinking too much alcohol, according to the NHS. Problems that keep happening can be linked to conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, anxiety or hormone problems, so they’re worth getting checked.
Effective, licensed treatments exist. The NHS lists sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra) and avanafil (Spedra); sildenafil is available from a pharmacy as well as on prescription. The NHS also warns that many websites sell fake erection medicines, so only buy from a registered pharmacy. More detail in CBD oil for erectile dysfunction and stress in men.
Beware “CBD gummies for ED” adverts. Social media ads for CBD gummies promising better erections or performance often use fake celebrity endorsements, including faces from Dragons’ Den. Which? has reported a case where a £5 “sample” led to a £198 charge and a fake parcel tracking site. No real CBD product is proven to treat erection problems.
CBD lube: what it is and what to check
CBD lubricants are personal lubricants with CBD added, usually water-based or oil-based. They’re applied to intimate skin rather than swallowed. No good trials show the CBD in them adds anything to an ordinary lubricant for arousal or pleasure, and the FSA’s guidance and 10mg a day advice are about CBD foods and supplements you swallow, not lubricants.
If you want to try one, check:
- Condom compatibility: the label should say it’s safe with latex condoms. If it’s oil-based, it isn’t.
- Made for intimate use: never use a CBD oil, massage oil or balm as lube.
- Ingredients: avoid fragrance, essential oils, menthol, warming agents and flavours if you’re prone to irritation or thrush.
- THC-free with a lab report: THC is a controlled drug in the UK. See is CBD legal in the UK? and how to read a CBD lab report.
- Patch test first and stop if it stings or itches.
CBD products for the bedroom
| Product | How it’s used | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| CBD oil drops or capsules | Taken by mouth as part of an evening wind-down | Not for use as a lubricant |
| CBD lubricants | Applied to intimate areas | Only use products made for intimate use; check if they’re condom-safe |
| CBD massage oils and balms | Massage on the body | Keep away from intimate areas; don’t use with latex condoms |
| CBD bath products | Relaxing bath before bed | A gentle way to wind down together |
Safety: condoms, intimate skin, medicines and fertility
- Condoms: the NHS advises not to use oil-based lubricant with latex condoms, and to use water-based or silicone-based lubricant instead. Lab testing has found that as little as 60 seconds’ contact with mineral oil can badly weaken latex condoms. CBD oils are made with carrier oils, and massage oils and balms are oil-based too, so keep them away from condoms.
- Intimate skin: only use products designed for intimate areas. Balms and massage products may contain essential oils, menthol or fragrance that can sting or irritate, and can upset vaginal pH, increasing the risk of infections such as thrush.
- Medicines: the FSA doesn’t recommend CBD for people taking any medication unless under medical direction. That includes erection medicines and antidepressants, so check with your GP or pharmacist first. See will CBD interact with my medication?
- Trying to conceive: the FSA advises people trying to conceive, as well as those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, not to take CBD as a precaution. Animal studies have raised questions about effects on male reproductive health, though human data is lacking. See CBD in pregnancy.
- Side effects: for what’s known about side effects, see CBD side effects.
- THC: some products sold online contain THC, which is illegal in the UK. Choose THC-free products with a lab report.
How people use CBD before sex
If you want to try it, the simplest approach is CBD oil under the tongue 30 to 60 minutes beforehand, or as part of your evening routine. Start with a low amount, around 10mg, and go easy on alcohol: the NHS lists drinking too much as a cause of both erection problems and low sex drive. The FSA’s 10mg a day figure is precautionary advice rather than a legal limit, set while longer-term safety research continues. At Evopure we think it is a very cautious figure, and many adults use more. If you go above it, increase slowly, and check with your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication.
Our Broad Spectrum CBD Oil is just CBD and MCT oil, with 0% THC. Our oils and balm are not lubricants and shouldn’t be used on intimate areas. All our products are for adults (18+) only, and we don’t recommend them during pregnancy or breastfeeding. See when to take CBD oil, CBD dosage and CBD and alcohol.
Common causes of low libido
According to the NHS, the main causes of a low sex drive include:
- relationship problems
- stress, anxiety or depression
- sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness
- lower hormone levels with age, particularly during the menopause
- some medicines, such as those for high blood pressure and antidepressants
- hormonal contraception such as the pill, patch or implant
- drinking too much alcohol
- long-term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, an underactive thyroid and cancer
Practical steps such as better sleep, less alcohol, regular exercise and talking openly with your partner often help more than any supplement. See stress in men, magnesium for menopause and CBD and menopause.
When to see a GP
See a GP if you’re worried about your sex drive, if you think a medicine or hormonal contraception is affecting it, or if it doesn’t return to normal after pregnancy. See a GP or sexual health clinic if erection problems keep happening, as they can be linked to conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes. Your GP can look for physical causes, review your medicines and suggest treatment or relationship counselling if helpful.
FAQs
Does CBD increase libido?
There’s no good evidence it does directly. Some people find it helps them relax, and stress is a common cause of low desire, so any effect is likely indirect.
Is CBD oil good for sex?
It hasn’t been properly studied. Some people use it to relax beforehand, but ordinary CBD oil isn’t a lubricant and shouldn’t be used with latex condoms.
Can I use CBD oil as lube?
No. Use a lubricant made for intimate use. CBD oils are oil-based, which the NHS advises against with latex condoms, and may irritate intimate skin.
Does CBD help with erectile dysfunction?
There’s no evidence it does. See a GP about erection problems that keep happening, as they can be linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, and effective treatments are available.
Is CBD lube safe with condoms?
Only if the product says it’s condom-compatible. Oil-based lubricants shouldn’t be used with latex condoms, so check the label or choose water-based or silicone-based lube.
Can I take CBD if we’re trying for a baby?
The FSA advises people trying to conceive not to take CBD as a precaution.
Does CBD affect testosterone or sperm?
Some animal studies suggest possible effects on male reproductive health, while a lab study on human testis tissue found no direct effect on testosterone. There’s little human data. If you’re trying to conceive, avoid CBD and speak to your GP.
What does CBD lube do?
It’s a lubricant with CBD added. There’s no good evidence the CBD improves arousal or pleasure compared with an ordinary lubricant. If you try one, choose a product made for intimate use, check it’s condom-safe and patch test first.
Does CBD help women’s arousal?
There are no good trials showing it does. If you have low desire, dryness or pain during sex, see your GP or a sexual health clinic, as effective treatments are available.
Can I take CBD with Viagra or other erection medicines?
Ask your GP or pharmacist first. The FSA doesn’t recommend CBD for anyone taking medication unless under medical direction.
Are CBD gummies for ED adverts genuine?
Be very wary. Many use fake celebrity endorsements and subscription traps, and no CBD product is proven to treat erection problems.
Sources
- NHS. Loss of libido.
- NHS. Condoms.
- NHS. Erection problems (erectile dysfunction).
- Food Standards Agency. Cannabidiol (CBD) guidance.
- Voeller B et al (1989). Mineral oil lubricants cause rapid deterioration of latex condoms. Contraception.
- Wiebe E, Just A (2019). How cannabis alters sexual experience: a survey of men and women. Journal of Sexual Medicine.
- Murina F et al (2025). Efficacy and safety of topical 5% cannabidiol plus myrcene for the treatment of vestibulodynia: a multi-centric randomized controlled trial. Biomedicines.
- Carvalho RK et al (2018). Chronic cannabidiol exposure promotes functional impairment in sexual behavior and fertility of male mice. Reproductive Toxicology.
- Carvalho RK et al (2020). The effects of cannabidiol on male reproductive system: a literature review. Journal of Applied Toxicology.
- da Silva J et al (2023). The acute exposure of human adult testis tissue to cannabinoids THC and CBD does not impact testosterone production nor germ cell lineage. World Journal of Men’s Health.
- Which? (2021). CBD oil scams: fraudulent celeb endorsements and fake shipping tracking.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Evopure products are for adults (18+) only.
