The connection between physical health and penis size is commonly overlooked in modern culture. Personal behavior is rarely factored into widespread beliefs about male sexual health. Daily decisions directly impact penile appearance and functionality. The choice to consume drugs is already complex, but one element that is often not considered properly during addictive actions is the potential damage intoxicants could have on personal reproductive systems.

The Effects of Recreation Drugs in General

Substances that are not medically administered have a diverse array of sexual ramifications that have not been fully studied by science. Anecdotal evidence has provided a solid basis of understanding within drug related social circles but a firm biological analysis of these processes has yet to be conducted in entirety. This list is an attempt to compile the concrete documentation on the subject while filtering out nonacademic conjecture. With all recreational substances it is important to note that dosage and purity is always a factor in the severity of side effects. It is also crucial to distinguish the difference between one-time use and repeated ingestion. Drug abuse damages the entire body; naturally, this includes the penis.

Caffeine

This popular stimulant is anomalous in that its effects are nuanced enough to vary on an individual basis. It has three varying modes of functionality that can have complex interactions with every different personal physiology. Its primary mode of activity incorporates blocking adenosine receptors. The lack of active adenosine leads to an overabundance of adrenaline. This provides a cardiac stimulus that leads to an increased blood flow which inevitably creates stronger erections; however, excessive ingestion can cause too much constriction to maintain hardness. An exception to this is in certain cases of low blood pressure where caffeine induces vasoconstriction and increases penile rigidity. A secondary behavior of caffeine is its ability to momentarily raise testosterone levels. This directly correlates with a heightened erectile capacity. The final side effect of caffeine can be a reduction in the production of phosphodiesterase. This agent normally breaks down cyclic adenosine monophosphates. An increase in the presence of these biological messengers enforces the muscle tissue of erections while simultaneously encouraging a growth in estrogen production. While these side effects can have the symptoms of an aphrodisiac, they can also lead to an overcompensation of hormone development that negates any sexual benefits by rendering arousal inaccessible.

Alcohol

There are two stages of effects that alcohol has on the male libido. These can be divided into short-term and long-term corollaries. Immediate results from alcohol consumption include the total repression of the control center in the brain. This forms a temporary burst in sexual desire and sense of prowess. Extended use degrades the processes of testosterone production. As such, long-term alcoholism is directly related to chronic flaccidity. It is a prime cause behind erectile dysfunction and ejaculation disorders. Alcohol anesthetically calms the nervous system thus producing a numbing sensation that can be used to prolong sexual encounters. The lack of inhibition generated by imbibing any liquor can lead to questionably promiscuous behavior and the subsequent protraction of sexually transmitted diseases that can cause irreversible penile damage.

Nicotine

Dependency on this substance has a series of permanent negative ramifications. Constant cigarette smoking results in less oxygenation for blood flow. This minimizes the capacity for dilation within the muscle tissues of the penis. The lack of an ability to dilate shrinks erectile functions. Continued use can irreparably weaken hardness through tissue degradation. Furthermore, physiological aversions to sex develop immediately after ingestion. Subjective levels of sexual arousal are maintained, but the body instantly struggles to keep up with the desires of the mind. Nicotine drastically offsets the regulation and reception of adrenaline. This forms a lack of any sexual response by completely reducing physical sensations. The combination of malfunction and vascular deficiency makes nicotine especially hazardous to the sexual health of men. With this drug a decrease in size is accompanied by a loss of function.

One popular method for mechanically increasing dilation within the muscle tissues of the penis is using a device such as a hydro penis pump.  More specifically, by using one such as the Bathmate, it may be possible to temporarily relieve the negative constrictive effects of nicotine within the penis.

Marijuana

THC is the active ingredient in marijuana and is contained within the cannabinoids that are absorbed into the body through marijuana smoke. Because it is a naturally occurring substance there are receptors for it throughout the entire body including the penis. Enhanced physical sensation and advanced awareness are often associated with marijuana. It can help to raise stamina, incorporate tantric methods, and make orgasms more powerful. A negative side to this can be the formation of a dependency on marijuana for fulfilling intercourse. Withdrawal from marijuana can therefore detrimentally influence the ability to achieve an erection for a short period of time. A full recovery of sexual capabilities during detoxification simply requires waiting. Testosterone levels are not directly impacted by THC and studies that claim otherwise have been scientifically proven false; however, marijuana is known to lower the active sperm count.

Cocaine

Despite a notoriety for being involved in rampant sexual behavior there are copious dangerous sexual side-effects of repeated cocaine use. Two-thirds of habitual users have experienced erectile issues. This drug prevents necessary testicular activity from naturally progressing which eventually results in a permanent loss of testosterone development. Blood flow in the pelvis can become too constricted to maintain arousal over time. Orgasm can be impossible to reach while under the influence of cocaine. This can cause erections that cannot be alleviated or ended. This is known as priapism and is exceedingly painful. Medical treatment is required in this scenario to prevent disfigurement. Failure to treat it can result in rare circumstances of blood cots and burst penile veins. Blood clots can also form and cause terrifying damage. Severe occurrences sometimes mandate complete removal of the organ. Years of cocaine use can produce mutated sperm formations. The drug can also fuse with sperm and transmit itself into the female body during intercourse. This can result in fatal birth defects. On the surface, however, there are no instant changes in penile appearance as an aftereffect of cocaine ingestion. Chronic dependency will generate a downward spiral for the biological mechanisms of male genitalia.

Speed

Low doses of amphetamines have been shown to significantly heighten the male libido. Contrarily, higher doses have been observed having the paradoxically opposite effect. In large quantities, speed inhibits ejaculation and removes sexual drive. Balanced doses can avert the refractory period and induce repeated orgasms. Extended erections can lead to priapism and low levels of amphetamine intake can result in an uncomfortable overexertion. Excessive amounts of speed lead to total limpness. A tendency towards increased lubrication is overridden by a tendency to remain flaccid. Permanent damage can only result from overuse of the phallus while on the substance.

Ecstasy

MDMA produces profound sensations of love but has a tendency to eliminate sexual capacity. The dehydration caused by taking ecstasy directly corresponds with the inability to secrete lubrication and an overall dryness. This can cause a sharp stinging pain during ejaculation. Prolonged urinary retention can result in a temporary yellow discoloration of the semen. The sensation of touch is dramatically heightened but achieving orgasm requires a lot of extra effort. Failure to maintain an erection can contradict strong mental impulses and lead to excessive rubbing until it is literally red and raw. Ecstasy alters the natural circadian rhythm of the brain and upsets the pattern by releasing an abundance of serotonin. This chemical is responsible for regulating sexual arousal. Overuse of MDMA can result in the overworking of serotonin receptors until they are unable to process anymore. Derivatively, long-lasting impotence can result from serious ecstasy abuse. Short-term use can cause temporary shriveling and retraction.

Heroin

Habitual heroin use creates total sexual disengagement. Prolonged lack of interest is a universal symptom of this drug. It interferes with the release of sex hormones but does not hinder their production. This results in a surplus of pituitary activity during heroin withdrawal which causes an irremediable period of prolonged arousal. Non-stop erections are often experienced during heroin detoxification and do not go away even after multiple orgasms. This can cause a strain on the pelvic muscles and the stress prevents them from being able to relax. Aside from being embarrassing this situation can require medical attention to prevent irreversible harm caused by swelling beyond one’s biological capacity. Pornography is sometimes prescribed to help with this trouble. Lengthier addictions result in substantial hormonal stockpiling meaning that this phase of unending desire can last for weeks before a drop-off occurs and temporary non-responsiveness settles in as the body adjusts to behaving normally. Extreme reliance on heroin can lead heavy users to inject needles directly into their penile veins out of desperation when all their other viable arteries have collapsed from excessive abuse. Not only does this permanently deteriorate all erectile capabilities, it also transmits fatal and disfiguring infections.

Meth

Crystal methamphetamines have a stark impact on the regulation of serotonin and dopamine that rapidly fosters a prominence of adverse sexual effects. Damaged dopamine receptors facilitate a lifelong dulling of orgasmic sensations, and a lack of serotonin hinders the capacity for arousal.

Injection near the shaft can cause irreparable tissue degradation resulting in permanent erectile dysfunction. Sexual inhibition is eliminated during the use of methamphetamines which invites the contraction of a variety of reproductive diseases through risky behaviors. These ailments include severe shrinkage due to dehydration. Ejaculation can be difficult to achieve. Some users treat this malfunction as a benefit because it allows for marathons of sexual activity, but the strain it puts on the penis can be devastating to the organ. Extreme overuse can produce varicose veins that require surgical treatment. Rehabilitation from sustained methamphetamine ingestion involves serious physical therapy to regain a fraction of one’s original sexual abilities.

Opiates

There are a few different classes of opiates with varying degrees of sexual consequences. Pure opium has the least ramifications and most of them remain in the short-term range. Loss of sexual appetite is normal while under the influence, but it is typically regained with increased force after cessation of use. Loss of libido also is a regular occurrence with the use of methadone and morphine. Penile retraction is common with opiate derivatives but ends relatively quickly after use. This is because all sexual hormones are still produced, but their release is prevented by the active agents in the drug. An excess release occurs during the stages of detoxification manifesting constant erectile arousal. Long-term damage is not directly associated with the use of opiates unless it is specifically applied to the genitalia. Extremely large quantities can lead to urethral poisoning which requires the attention of a doctor. Within the context of standard habitual use, the recovery of sexual prowess usually happens within a few days of quitting.

Recently, Kratom has grown in popularity as a natural painkiller with opiate-like effects. While this herbal supplement exhibits similar effects to opiates like morphine, it is not itself an opiate. It contains compounds that act on some of the same brain receptors opiates do, but lacks the addictive properties found in them. This however does not mean it does not impact sex drive. High doses and long term use can result in a temporary loss of libido. More research is needed to understand exactly why this occurs.

Hallucinogens

The primary method of action for psychedelic drugs involves a momentary manipulation of the neurotransmitters responsible for manufacturing serotonin. Altercation of this chemical’s distribution creates elevated states of awareness that sometimes coincides with a disinterest in sex; however, LSD, psilocybin mushrooms and peyote have no physical effects on male genitalia. Any strange changes in appearance are probably the result of a modified consciousness as opposed to any physiological manifestations. Erections can be difficult to achieve during the peaks of psychedelic experiences but this phase is usually a respite between heightened stages of potential arousal.

PCP

The unique behavior of this drug permanently reduces the function of glutamine drives. This amino acid is necessary for pain reception. A loss of pain sensation also equals a loss of orgasm ability; however, erections remain normal.

Prescription Drugs in General

Medication has always been known to tamper with libido. Every drug has a nuanced effect, but these have all been extensively measured by pharmacology. Scientific jargon can render the negative influence of prescriptions incomprehensible to the layman. The following list breaks down the libidinous effects of the main basic categories of legally approved medical substances.

Painkillers

The majority of prescription painkillers are some variation of a synthetic opioid; as such, they experience nearly identical manifested symptoms as recreational opiate users. Sexual function can be limited during the use of painkillers but it has been shown to return once the drugs have left the biological system. Rigidity is temporally compromised and scrotal retention creates a reduced ejaculatory capacity. A periodic decrease in testosterone levels prevents full erections. Physical sensations are generally dulled during the use of painkillers because the receptors for pain are the same receptors for orgasm. Oxycontin is the most sexually deleterious because of its dense opioid purity. Percocet and Vicodin have slightly less impact based on their mild dilution. Slowed vascular activity and a decreased heart-rate can make achieving an erection impossible. These uncomfortable effects are reversible regardless of the specific brand, but it takes a little time.

Depression Medication

Biological bouts of depression have been traced to deficiencies of serotonin or an inability to properly process it. Anti-depressants work by treating these serotonin irregularities, but this method of action can often have inadvertent sexual side effects. These include an overall sexual disinterest and irritating physical numbness. Serotonin is an instigator of sexual behavior and changes in its allocation result in modified desires. Arousal has a tendency to always feel incomplete. A degree of softness remains in every erection and limpness occurs before orgasm can be reached. The amount of stimulation needed to ejaculate is heavily increased to the point that traumatic chafing can develop just in the course of sex or masturbation. Extreme exertion can still fail to produce satisfaction while under the influence of anti-depressant medication. Depression can be caused be feelings of sexual inadequacy which perpetually propagates a biological need for the drug. The trade-off between emotional stability and sexual function creates complex physiological malfunctions. The exchange is usually not worth it; however, patients can work with their doctors to find properly personalized combinations that do not have negative reproductive symptoms. It can take ample patience before a working dose is achieved. Recovery of full sexual functions can take months after ending the use of anti-depressants. This is because such medications have an extended half-life that allows it to remain in the body for weeks after use has ended. The official terminology for this category of medication designates them as a class of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. These drugs have seen immense medical popularity in the last few decades and include such well-known names as Prozac and Zoloft.

ADHD Medication

Adderall is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs available for ADHD treatment. Unfortunately, continuous heavy use can result in a few detrimental side-effects for male sexual health. Years of constant use can lead to impotence through hormonal depletion. This kind of medication tends to cause erectile dysfunction after a few weeks of overuse. Substantial doses can create a spongy quality to the firmness of the penis, but this effect only lasts while the substance is being excessively used. A pituitary hyper-drive can occur that wears out the hormonal system if the body is not given a break from the medication. Arousal can peak and wane at an unusually rapid pace making a lasting hard-on difficult to achieve. Intermittent small doses can serve as a sexual stimulant if a lack of mental focus does not cause any distractions. Ritalin is a popular alternative to Adderall and is not associated with any known sexual effects.

Erectile Dysfunction Medication

Viagra and similar substances only offer the facade of alleviation of penile difficulties, because they treat symptoms rather can causes. Therefore, prolonged use of these medications can exacerbate the problems they are supposed to be addressing by accelerating the mechanics of a faulty system. The initiation of rapid hormone production creates an instant dependency on the drug and an inability to orgasm or become erect without it. Fertility can also be seriously lowered.

More resources

Comprehensive personal accounts of drug experiences are available at www.erowid.org. Users with any health concerns should consult www.webmd.com as a starting point for their research; however, nothing compares to the personal advice of a doctor. Patients should always disclose all consumed intoxicants to their physician to ensure accurate assistance.

Conclusion

Overall, penis size is simply reflective of health. The negative health ramifications of any drug will translate into sexual malfunctions alongside all other failing biological systems. Organs operate within a fluid symbiosis. Any deviations from fitness in one area will result in ailments elsewhere as well. This is why men must regularly consider the safety of their genitalia in their recreational and medical activities; otherwise, they may unwittingly inflict lifelong suffering upon themselves. Penile injury is tenuous to recover from and yet the potential for such affliction is hardly weighed into the conscious forming of behavioral habits. There is nothing superficial or wrong about keeping track of one’s own sexual health.

Article Sources

Sources last checked 12/23/2015

1. Caffeine: http://voices.yahoo.com/the-effect-caffeine-male-libido-erectile-11490574.html Yahoo removed voices property
2. Alcohol: http://www.livestrong.com/article/301271-sexual-side-effects-of-alcoholism/
3. Nicotine: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/17971108/
4. Marijuana: http://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/Is_Marijuana_A_Sex_Stimulant__a768.html
5. Cocaine: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1993-04-21/news/9304220220_1_cocaine-sexual-desire-sperm
6. Speed: http://abouttesting.testcountry.com/2010/11/effects-of-amphetamine-on-sexuality.html
7. Ecstacy: http://www.cesar.umd.edu/cesar/drugs/ecstasy.asp
8. Heroin/Opiates: http://www.idmu.co.uk/opiatesex.htm
9. Meth: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/535832 Resource is behind login wall
10. Hallucinogens/PCP: http:www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens-lsd-peyote-psilocybin-pcp
11. Painkillers: http://www.health.com/health/m/condition-article/0,,20189376,00.html
12. Depression: http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/sexual-problems-and-depression
13. Adderall: http://adhd.emdtv.com/adderall/adderall-sexual-side-effects.html
14. Viagra: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3585161.stm