Subjective effects of MDMA (‘Ecstasy’) on human sexual function
Z. Zemishlany, Dov Aizenberg, Abraham Weizman
European Psychiatry March 1, 2001 DOI: 10.1016/s0924-9338(01)00551-x via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMDMA (Ecstasy) moderately to profoundly increases sexual desire and satisfaction in more than 90% of users, and orgasm is delayed but perceived as more intense. However, erection is impaired in 40% of men, indicating that MDMA enhances subjective sexual experience while impairing sexual performance.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 35 |
| Population | Healthy recreational MDMA users (20 men and 15 women, aged 21-48 years) |
| Intervention | 3 |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Sexual function Psychology Medicine |
| Citations | 70 |
| Key finding | MDMA increases desire and satisfaction in over 90% of users but impairs erection in 40% of men, suggesting a trade-off between enhanced subjective experience and impaired performance. |
Abstract
Abstract Sexual function following 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or ‘Ecstasy’) consumption was subjectively evaluated in 35 healthy recreational users (20 men and 15 women, aged 21–48 years) with regard to four major domains of sexual activity: desire, erection (lubrication in women), orgasm and satisfaction. Desire and satisfaction were moderately to profoundly increased by MDMA in more than 90% of subjects. Orgasm was delayed but perceived as more intense. Erection was impaired in 40% of the men. It seems that MDMA impairs sexual performance, in spite of enhancement of sexual desire and the perception of greater satisfaction.