Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a complex and widespread issue that plagues countless men across the globe, significantly impacting their quality of life, personal relationships, and overall well-being. The multifaceted nature of ED encompasses a wide array of physiological, psychological, and environmental factors.
In recent times, the recreational use of psychoactive substances has come to the forefront as a potential catalyst for the onset and aggravation of ED. Among these substances, mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone), a synthetic cathinone derivative, has garnered attention for its possible influence on erectile function.
This article endeavors to present an in-depth analysis of mephedrone’s effects on erectile function, utilizing an extensive array of scientific data and research findings to clarify the mechanisms and clinical ramifications underlying this relationship.
Mechanism of action of mephedrone
Mephedrone, like most psychostimulants, affects the central nervous system by increasing the activity of excitation neurotransmitters, substances that accelerate the transmission of nerve impulses. It increases the release of dopamine and serotonin, blocks their reuptake and reduces the activity of the enzymes that break down monoamines and ketacholamines (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine).
As a result, the concentration of these active substances in the nervous tissue increases, increasing the level of excitation in the parts of the brain responsible for positive emotions, motor activity and mental processes.
The peculiarity of mephedrone, in contrast to MDMA and amphetamine, is that it provokes an intense release of dopamine for a short time. The half-life of mephedrone is 2-4 hours, while that of MDMA is 7.8 hours.
Its fast metabolism determines its high narcogenic potential. The duration of action of mephedrone is 1-3 hours. To get high you need to use the substance in series, i.e. several times within 4 to 8 hours.
The substance is also able to activate alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors. This indirectly increases the secretion of catecholamines by the adrenal glands. Mephedrone has the following effect on the body:
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A rush of strength and good spirits
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Euphoria
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Increased empathy
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Friendliness, talkativeness
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Loss of appetite
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Increased heartbeat and breathing
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Elevation of body temperature and blood pressure
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Dilated pupils
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Increased endurance
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Decreased need for sleep
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Motor convulsiveness
In addition to the classic manifestations, each user experiences a lot of subjective sensations. Their severity depends on the purity of mephedrone (it rarely exceeds 80%), individual characteristics and the presence of related health problems. A regular oral or intranasal dose can range from 50 to 200 mg.
Classical physiology of erections
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the common sexual dysfunctions in adult men, defined as the inability to obtain or maintain a penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity.
An erection is a complex neurovascular phenomenon requiring intact psychosocial, neural, and vascular components. Nervous regulation of the penile vascular network is not limited to the cavernous arteries, but also includes the smooth muscles of the trabeculae and the endothelium of the sinusoids.
The central nervous system (CNS) controls erectile function through the dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems, with the former having a facilitative effect and the latter an inhibitory effect.
Testosterone plays an important role in normal male development, as well as in the maintenance of many male characteristics, including muscle mass and strength, bone density, libido, potency and spermatogenesis.
Animal studies have shown that the production of NO (nitric oxide, a major vasodilatory factor involved in erections) is regulated by androgens. Androgens have been shown to have a direct effect on penile tissue to maintain erectile function, and androgen deficiency causes metabolic and structural imbalances in the corpora cavernosa, leading to venoocclusive dysfunction and erectile dysfunction.
Biochemistry of potency enhancement
One of the most common reasons for using stimulants is the desire for an unforgettable sexual experience. Most of them (about 80%) have a higher libido, and men are more susceptible to this effect.
It should be noted that the effects of the remaining 20% of men are exactly the opposite – the sexual desire disappears until the end of the action of mephedrone.
Dopamine
The increase in libido when using mephedrone is based on the release of those very neurotransmitters, dopamine in particular. It is responsible for the formation of sexual desire and satisfaction, pathological dependence, love, motivation, and other complex mental processes.
It also enables nerve transmission to various parts of the brain, including the limbic system, which generates our basic emotions.
Dopamine is actively involved in the “reward” system. It is necessary for the formation and regulation of social behaviors associated with positive and negative emotions. Interestingly, pleasure centers actively interact with sites responsible for memory and learning. Synthetic psychostimulants, especially mephedrone, allow almost 1500% more dopamine to be released overnight.
Serotonin
Although dopamine is important, increasing the concentration of serotonin is also important, since it makes the psyche less susceptible to negative experiences. This neurotransmitter, along with norepinephrine, is involved in motor activity, regulation of internal organs and increases the accuracy of neuronal impulse transmission.
Taking mephedrone leads to the destruction of social and ethical barriers. A person forgets about his complexes, relaxes and communicates with others much easier, becomes affectionate. Add to this (imaginary) increased stamina, vivacity, absence of the need for food and sleep.
Effects of Mephedrone on Erectile Function
The impact of mephedrone on erectile function can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the drug’s stimulant properties can lead to vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow to the erectile tissue and impairing the ability to achieve and maintain an erection. This effect is further exacerbated by the release of norepinephrine, which can cause constriction of the penile arteries.
Secondly, mephedrone has been shown to increase the release of prolactin, a hormone that can inhibit sexual arousal and erectile function. Elevated prolactin levels have been associated with erectile dysfunction in numerous studies, and the surge in prolactin following mephedrone use may contribute to the impairment of erectile function.
Lastly, the serotonergic effects of mephedrone may also play a role in its impact on erectile function. Serotonin is known to have an inhibitory effect on sexual function, and the increased serotonin levels induced by mephedrone may contribute to the impairment of erectile function.
For men who have taken mephedrone once, potency and libido increase against the background of the liberation from any moral inhibitions. According to feedback from users, sensitivity and response to erotic triggers (hearing, seeing, smelling) increases. Many hours of sex marathons and even orgies are common, and these are conducted against the backdrop of psychostimulant use.
However, when mephedrone is used long and systematically, especially in large sessions, the libido also remains high and potency decreases significantly, up to the appearance of a condition called “crystal penis” – in which the user has a strong libido, high energy and reduced sexual inhibitions, but cannot achieve an erection of the penis.
For men who have taken mephedrone once, potency and libido increase against the background of the liberation from any moral inhibitions. According to feedback from users, sensitivity and response to erotic triggers (hearing, seeing, smelling) increases. Many hours of sex marathons and even orgies are common, and these are conducted against the backdrop of psychostimulant use.
The Paradox of Mephedrone-Induced Libido and Erectile Dysfunction
Interestingly, mephedrone use has been associated with a heightened libido, despite its detrimental effects on erectile function. This paradox can be explained by the drug’s dopaminergic and serotonergic actions. Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of sexual desire, and the increased dopamine release induced by mephedrone may lead to an enhanced libido. However, the concurrent increase in serotonin levels may counteract this effect by impairing erectile function, resulting in a frustrating disconnect between desire and performance.
However, when mephedrone is used long and systematically, especially in large sessions, the libido also remains high and potency decreases significantly, up to the appearance of a condition called “crystal penis” – in which the user has a strong libido, high energy and reduced sexual inhibitions, but cannot achieve an erection of the penis.
The risks of regular mephedrone use
Thus, many people view mephedrone as a means of facilitating sexual intercourse. However, this is true only for the 80% of people who take the drug occasionally. Chronic abuse of mephedrone leads to the following consequences:
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Decreased libido
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Erectile dysfunction up to and including impotence
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Difficulties in achieving orgasm or even its disappearance
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Premature or delayed ejaculation
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Decreased quality of semen – many male addicts suffer from infertility
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Various menstrual disorders in women
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Promiscuous sexual behavior increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – HIV, viral hepatitis, syphilis, gonorrhea, HPV
Before using mephedrone as part of “chemsex,” you need to take care of contraception, even if sex is not part of your plans. It is also worth getting a lubricant to avoid damage to soft tissues due to many hours of active movements.
Quite quickly (sometimes after 2-3 months) constant irritation of the pleasure centers dulls the ability to experience physical pleasure from anything, including sex. At first it becomes necessary for a person to use mephedrone, and then to have sexual relations. Then the sexual capacity declines, sometimes to the point of complete impotence. It is characterized by erectile dysfunction, problems with ejaculation and anorgasmia.
Conclusion
Mephedrone use has been linked to a range of adverse effects, including impaired erectile function. The drug’s impact on erectile function can be attributed to its vasoconstrictive, prolactin-releasing, and serotonergic properties. While mephedrone may enhance libido through its dopaminergic effects, the concurrent increase in serotonin levels may lead to erectile dysfunction. As the popularity of mephedrone continues to grow, it is crucial for healthcare professionals and users alike to be aware of the potential risks associated with its use, including its impact on sexual health and well-being.