Psychedelics and Sex: The Magic of Mushrooms

Psychedelics, such as psilocybin, have gained renewed attention in recent years for their therapeutic potential (Carhart-Harris & Goodwin, 2017). While magic mushrooms may have seemed taboo in the past, it seems like everyone (and their grandma) is curious about the rising popularity of this funky fungus. Although psychedelics are illegal in many countries, including Canada, an abundance of clinical trials are underway across the world examining the effect of various psychedelics on conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders. But what potential do these promising substances have on our sex life (Goldpaugh, 2021)? In this blog, I dive into the potential role of psychedelics in improving one’s sexual confidence and relationship satisfaction while acknowledging crucial personal and relational safety factors.

Let’s Get Confident

As preached by the iconic drag queen RuPaul: “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?” (NCS, 2022). When it comes to having an enjoyable sex life, a strong predictor of sexual satisfaction is high sexual self-efficacy (Reissing et al., 2005). Self-efficacy refers to one’s belief in their ability to perform a given behaviour (Bandura, 1977), with high sexual self-efficacy referring to the belief that they are sexually competent. Put plainly, confident people tend to enjoy sex more. Many people struggle with shame around their sexuality, whether due to a lack of experience, negative experiences in the past, or sexual difficulties (Reissing et al., 2005, 2012). Those with low levels of sexual self-efficacy tend to get stuck in a self-fulfilling prophecy: the expectation that they will not be sexually competent causes them to avoid experiences that would allow them to change this narrative, which then fuels their belief that they are not sexually competent, resulting in low levels of sexual self-efficacy (Jussim, 2023; Reissing et al., 2005). When one continuously gets feedback confirming beliefs about themselves, this information is incorporated into their sense of self, also known as their self-schema (Markus, 1977). Individuals with low levels of sexual self-efficacy tend to end up with negative sexual self-schemas rooted in shame, which can be hard to change once developed.

Okay, so what do psychedelics have to do with this? Research has shown that psilocybin facilitates neuroplasticity, a fancy term meaning the brain’s ability to grow and reorganize itself in response to life experiences (de Vos et al., 2021). Neuroplasticity is necessary for learning, and positive outcomes related to psilocybin are reported as lasting for at least three months (Søndergaard et al., 2022). Further, psilocybin facilitates psychological flexibility, the ability to adapt to changing environments while remaining present in the moment, which is necessary to adapt one’s self-schema (Davis et al., 2020). Research indicates that psychological flexibility is the mechanism by which psilocybin reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, two phenomena rooted in negative self-schemas that also have negative consequences on one’s sexual functioning (Davis et al., 2020; Kalmbach et al., 2015). In other words, psilocybin makes it easier for people to change their narrative of who they are.

Although there isn’t an abundant amount of research directly on psilocybin and sex, findings indicate that using psychedelics for therapeutic purposes reduces shame about oneself by altering one’s self-schema (Healy et al., 2021). Promising new research is exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics to reduce shame among sexual and gender minorities (Carlisle, 2023), and multiple personal accounts, by both facilitators and clients, have described psychedelics to facilitate “experiences of embodied pleasure free from shame” (Goldpaugh, 2021). Further, a recent online survey by Kruger and colleagues (2025) found that psychedelic users report increased authenticity, openness, self-acceptance, and freedom in self-expression following a psychedelic experience. Research also indicates that those who microdose psilocybin (i.e. use 0.1-0.5g of dried psilocybin two to three times a week) have increased sexual self-efficacy and reduced stress and performance-related anxiety (Jacobs et al., 2022). Additionally, a recent case study found psychedelics to be a helpful adjunctive treatment for compulsive sexual behaviour disorder (CSBD), also known as sexual addiction, given that this disorder is also rooted in shame and that many who suffer from it feel “stuck” in their way of thinking (Strika-Bruneau, 2023).

Let’s Get Connected

Okay, so psychedelics help improve confidence around sexuality, but how does psychedelics help connect with a partner? Jacobs and colleagues (2022) found that couples who microdose together reported having increased sexual energy, better communication, and enhanced sexual experiences and connection when microdosing. Further, multiple studies have shown that psilocybin increases emotional empathy (Mason et al., 2019; Pokorny et al., 2017). Feeling as though your partner understands you is imperative for intimate relationships and is strongly associated with higher levels of relationship satisfaction (Cramer & Jowett, 2010). Additionally, a new study by Barba and colleagues (2024) found that within a controlled clinical trial focused on psilocybin therapy for treatment of depression, individuals reported improvements in their communication and satisfaction with their partner following a psychedelic experience.

An important note is that the use of psychedelics does not necessarily need to (or should – more on that later) occur during a sexual encounter. Psilocybin's effects on empathy are lasting and can benefit your sexual relationship even when not used during sex, although having prior experience with the substance and being in a long-term, trustworthy relationship with all others involved are important factors in these effects (Morterud, 2023).

Let’s Calm Down

Although the magic of mushrooms is an exciting endeavour, it is crucial to prepare beforehand, both personally and in the relationship. While psilocybin is associated with flexibility that can reduce anxiety in the long run, a high dose of the drug can trigger intense anxiety during the trip, which would most definitely interfere with a sexual encounter and make it much less sexy (Bienemann et al., 2020). A hallmark catchphrase when dealing with any substance or experience is to “start low, go slow” (Borgford, 2023). Individuals may have varied responses to different doses of psilocybin, and one should explore and become comfortable working with psychedelics before considering engaging in a sexual relationship while on them (Morterud, 2023). Even if one is a regular psychedelic user, if a sexual encounter is under consideration, all parties need to feel comfortable and confident to stop the situation at any point, for any reason (Edwards et al., 2022; Morterud, 2023). An in-depth discussion of consent and boundaries should happen beforehand, and such activities should only occur with partners felt to be completely trustworthy. Preferred aftercare should be discussed as well, both for if the situation goes well or poorly. Psychedelics can put someone in a vulnerable state, and each person involved in the experience must be committed to making it as safe as possible for everyone.

Let’s Clear the Air

Overall, it is up to each person to decide if something is a good idea for them. It’s important to consider that psychedelics like psilocybin are not legal in certain countries like Canada, despite the increase of dispensaries becoming available in certain regions. There may be legal implications to the sale, purchase, and use of these substances. Psilocybin can help open people up to new experiences they’ve never considered, feel more confident in their body, and feel more connected with their partner, but only if their trip goes well. Comfort with the substance is a significant factor when diving into a sexual situation while using. Using psychedelics in general (even not during sex) can still have benefits for one’s sexual relationships, primarily because they help people improve their relationships with themselves, and as stated earlier: “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?” (NCS, 2022).

Natasha Manuel (She/They), BScH 2025 Psychology & Life Sciences, Queen's University

References

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Barba, T., Kettner, H., Radu, C., Peill, J. M., Roseman, L., Nutt, D. J., Erritzoe, D., Carhart-Harris, R., & Giribaldi, B. (2024). Psychedelics and sexual functioning: a mixed-methods study. Scientific Reports, 14(1), Article 2181. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-49817-4

Bienemann, B., Ruschel, N. S., Campos, M. L., Negreiros, M. A., & Mograbi, D. C. (2020). Self-reported negative outcomes of psilocybin users: a quantitative textual analysis. PloS One, 15(2), e0229067–e0229067. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229067

Borgford. (2023, October 23). Magic mushroom dosing guide: Finding your ideal dose. Magic mushroom dosing guide: finding your ideal dose. Psychedelic Support. https://psychedelic.support/resources/magic-mushroom-dosing-how-to/

Carhart-Harris, R. & Goodwin, G. (2017). The therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs: past, present, and future. Neuropsychopharmacol, 42, 2105–2113. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2017.84

Carlisle, N.A., Dourron, H.M., MacCarthy, S., Zarrabi, A.J., & Hendricks, P.S. (2023). Exploring the unique therapeutic potential of psychedelics to reduce chronic shame among sexual and gender minority adults. Psychedelic Medicine. Advance online publication. http://doi.org/10.1089/psymed.2022.0018

Cramer, D., & Jowett, S. (2010). Perceived empathy, accurate empathy and relationship satisfaction in heterosexual couples. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 27(3), 327–349. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407509348384

Davis, A. K., Barrett, F. S., & Griffiths, R. R. (2020). Psychological flexibility mediates the relations between acute psychedelic effects and subjective decreases in depression and anxiety. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 15, 39–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2019.11.004

de Vos, C. M. H., Mason, N. L., & Kuypers, K. P. C. (2021). Psychedelics and neuroplasticity: A systematic review unraveling the biological underpinnings of psychedelics. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 724606–724606. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.724606

Edwards, J., Rehman, U. S., & Byers, E. S. (2022). Perceived barriers and rewards to sexual consent communication: A qualitative analysis. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 39(8), 2408–2434. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075221080744

Healy, C.J., Lee, K.A., & D’Andrea W. (2021). Using psychedelics with therapeutic intent is associated with lower shame and complex trauma symptoms in adults with histories of child maltreatment. Chronic Stress, 5, https://doi.org/10.1177/24705470211029881

Jacobs, L., Banbury, S., & Lusher, J. (2022). Micro-dosing psychedelics as a plausible adjunct to psychosexual and couple’s therapy: a qualitative insight. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/14681994.2022.2044466

Jussim, L. (2023, October 24). self-fulfilling prophecy. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/self-fulfilling-prophecy

Kalmbach, D. A., Pillai, V., Kingsberg, S. A., & Ciesla, J. A. (2015). The transaction between depression and anxiety symptoms and sexual functioning: A prospective study of premenopausal, healthy women. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 44(6), 1635–1649. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-014-0381-4

Kruger, D. J., Argyri, E. K., Mogilski, J. K., Herberholz, M., Barron, J., Aday, J. S., & Boehnke, K. F. (2025). Perceived impact of psychedelics on sexual, gender, and intimate relationship dynamics: a mixed-methods investigation. The Journal of Sex Research, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2025.2479197

Goldpaugh, D.D. (2022). Finding the divine within: exploring the role of the sacred in psychedelic integration therapy for sexual trauma and dysfunction. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 37(3), 314-323, https://doi.org/10.1080/14681994.2021.1994138 

Markus, H. (1977). Self-schemata and processing information about the self. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 35(2), 63–78. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.35.2.63

Mason, N. L., Mischler, E., Uthaug, M. V., & Kuypers, K. P. C. (2019). Sub-acute effects of psilocybin on empathy, creative thinking, and subjective well-being. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 51(2), 123–134. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2019.1580804

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Endometriosis, Disability, and Policy: Why Petition e-7415 Matters in Canada

How a federal petition and new research are calling for a national response.

Authors: Samantha L. Levang*, Victoria Jackman*, Andrea Gallo Hoyos, & Caroline F. Pukall *shared first-authorship

Endometriosis is often described as “just bad periods,” yet for many people, pain is not just something that happens once a month. It can shape where they can work, how often or long they can attend school, whether they can plan a pregnancy, and how much energy is left after managing fatigue, nausea, and heavy bleeding. Across Canada, people living with endometriosis have been calling for better recognition and support; Petition e-7415 is one way those calls are reaching the federal level.

Petition e-7415: What it asks for

Petition e‑7415 (Health) calls on the Government of Canada to recognize that almost two million Canadians are affected by endometriosis and that the condition has a significant negative impact on health, wellbeing, and participation in work and education. This petition points to persistent gaps in Canada, including long delays to diagnosis, uneven access to knowledgeable care, and limited research funding.

Building on the federal Standing Committee on Health’s report Women’s Health in Canada, the petition calls on the Government of Canada to:

• Increase funding for research that supports innovation and discovery in endometriosis diagnosis and treatment.

• Develop a national action plan on endometriosis – designed with input from people living with endometriosis, clinicians, researchers, and community organizations – to address barriers to awareness, diagnosis, and care.

Rather than treating endometriosis as an individual problem to be managed quietly, Petition e-7415 frames it as a public health and policy issue that requires coordinated action.

This petition sits alongside Petition e‑6929, which focuses on recognizing endometriosis and adenomyosis as potential disabilities. Together, they reflect a growing understanding that endometriosis is not just a “women’s health issue,” but a chronic, often disabling condition that requires coordinated policy action.

For readers interested in adenomyosis and Petition e-6929, we have a companion blog that focuses specifically on adenomyosis, disability, and why recognition in policy matters.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. The most common symptoms include severe menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), chronic pelvic pain that can persist outside of menstruation, pain with penetration during sexual activity, gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms such as painful bowel movements and urination, fatigue, and infertility (Ek et al., 2015; Geng & Lee, 2019; Prescott et al., 2016; Taylor et al., 2021; van Poll et al., 2020).

A 2025 JAMA review describes endometriosis as “a chronic, estrogen-dependent, inflammatory disease” that affects approximately 10% of reproductive‑aged women worldwide (As-Sanie et al., 2025). Building on this, recent research has emphasized that endometriosis is “a chronic systemic disease,” meaning it can affect multiple organ systems, not just the pelvis (Taylor et al., 2021). In Canada, a cross-sectional survey of 30,000 women found a 7% rate of diagnosed endometriosis, which works out to approximately one million people. Almost half were between 18 and 29 when they received their diagnosis, and many had symptoms long before that (Singh et al., 2020).

Despite updated guidelines encouraging clinical diagnosis based on symptoms and imaging, diagnostic delays are common (Becker et al., 2022; Hudelist et al., 2012; Kuznetsov et al., 2017; Singh et al., 2020). Canadian patients report an average wait of 5.4 years from symptom onset to diagnosis, with some waiting more than a decade (Grimstad et al., 2020; Singh et al., 2020). These delays are shaped by symptom variability, lack of awareness among both patients and providers, stigma around gynecologic symptoms, normalization of menstrual pain, and structural inequities, especially for gender‑diverse people (Leonardi et al., 2020; Wahl et al., 2021; Zondervan et al., 2020).

How endometriosis can be disabling

Endometriosis affects much more than the menstrual cycle. Pain, fatigue, and other symptoms can interfere with work schedules, school attendance, caregiving responsibilities, relationships, and everyday tasks such as commuting or doing household activities. People may find themselves planning their lives around flare-ups, heavy bleeding, or days when they cannot get out of bed.

Canadian data show that these impacts are substantial. One study found that, among people with endometriosis, there was 17.1% absenteeism, 41.8% reduced productivity at work, 46.5% overall work impairment, and 41.4% impairment in daily activities (Soliman et al., 2021). Moreover, endometriosis in Canada is estimated to cost around 1.8 billion dollars per year, mostly due to lost productivity (Levy et al., 2011). Other research highlights lower quality of life and higher rates of anxiety and depression among people with endometriosis compared to those without the condition (Culley et al., 2013; Leuenberger et al., 2022; Levang & Pukall, 2024).

Stigma and disbelief add another layer. Menstrual pain is frequently minimized, and many people report being told their symptoms are “normal,” stress-related, or “in their head.” Long diagnostic delays, difficulty accessing specialists, and limited provider awareness contribute to people feeling dismissed or unsupported (As-Sanie et al., 2019; Davenport et al., 2023; Wahl et al., 2021).

In everyday terms, this means endometriosis can substantially limit what people are able to do, in ways that fit how disability is defined in law and policy—even if those impacts are not always visible from the outside. For some, endometriosis is an invisible, dynamic disability: its impact can change from day to day, which can complicate whether or how they feel “disabled enough” to ask for support or identify as disabled.

Where the VISIBLE Study fits in

Research is essential to understanding how endometriosis becomes disabling in real life. The VISIBLE Study (Voicing Identity, Symptoms, Impacts, Barriers, and Lived Experiences in Endometriosis) is a national project at Queen’s University’s Sexual Health Research Laboratory that centers the experiences of people living with suspected or confirmed endometriosis in Canada. It examines how people experience pain, disability, stigma, and identity, and how these experiences affect work, school, relationships, and everyday activities (Levang, 2025; SHRL, 2026).

VISIBLE combines an online survey with in‑depth interviews with people who feel that endometriosis is disabling for them, whether all the time or only during flares. It treats disability not just as an individual medical issue, but as something shaped by ableism, sexism, racism, transphobia, and other forms of oppression.

Findings from VISIBLE can help show how endometriosis becomes disabling in real life, not just in statistics or legal definitions. This kind of evidence is essential for petitions like e‑7415, which call on the federal government to respond to endometriosis with the seriousness and coordination it demands.

What you can do

Right now, petitions e‑7415 and e‑6929 are asking Canada to recognize endometriosis (and adenomyosis) as chronic, often disabling conditions and to improve research, diagnosis, treatment, and support. At the same time, VISIBLE is gathering detailed, lived‑experience data on how endometriosis affects people’s bodies, lives, and identities across the country.

Together, they represent a powerful opportunity: policy informed by the voices of those most affected, and research designed to make those voices impossible to ignore.

To learn more about how adenomyosis is being addressed through Petition e-6929, see our companion blog on adenomyosis and disability in Canada.

Learn more about or participate in the VISIBLE Study: https://www.sexlab.ca/participate

Petition e-7415 is open for signatures until August 6, 2026, at 2:05PM (EDT), so signatures are time-sensitive!

Sign Petition e‑7415: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Sign/e-7415

References

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Singh, S., Soliman, A. M., Rahal, Y., Robert, C., Defoy, I., Nisbet, P., & Leyland, N. (2020). Prevalence, symptomatic burden, and diagnosis of endometriosis in Canada: cross-sectional survey of 30 000 women. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 42(7), 829-838. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogc.2019.10.038

Soliman, A. M., Rahal, Y., Robert, C., Defoy, I., Nisbet, P., Leyland, N., & Singh, S. (2021). Impact of endometriosis on fatigue and productivity impairment in a cross-sectional survey of Canadian women. Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Canada, 43(1), 10-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogc.2020.06.022.

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Wahl, K. J., Yong, P. J., Bridge-Cook, P., & Allaire, C. (2021). Endometriosis in Canada: It Is Time for Collaboration to Advance Patient-Oriented, Evidence-Based Policy, Care, and Research. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 43(1), 88–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogc.2020.05.009

Zondervan, K. T., Becker, C. M., & Missmer, S. A. (2020). Endometriosis. The New England Journal of Medicine, 382(13), 1244–1256. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1810764