You’ve heard the phrase sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll. We’re skipping the power chords and groupies today and diving straight into the first two. Because while sex and drugs can sound like a match made in party heaven, the reality is more… complicated.

Do you really need sexual performance drugs (whether prescription, recreational, or something you bought from a sketchy gas station bathroom vending machine) to feel like a bedroom rock star?

Short answer: nope. And in many cases, they can do the opposite of what you want.

A study back in 1991 found that a wide variety of drugs — from everyday cold meds to hard-party substances — can mess with every phase of sexual response: desire, excitement, and orgasm. For men, the top side effects were loss of libido and erectile dysfunction, followed closely by failure to ejaculate. And before you ask: yes, even over-the-counter stuff can be a buzzkill.

But what about MDMA and sex? What about cocaine and sex? What about weed, chemsex, or even Viagra vs Cialis? Let’s break it down by the most popular picks in the “sex and drugs” starter pack — and see where pleasure turns into problems.

In 2013, the Global Drug Survey polled more than 22,000 people in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe about their bedroom habits under the influence. Here’s how it shook out:

1. Alcohol : The reigning champ, with 58.5% of men and 60.4% of women saying they’ve had sex after drinking.

2. Marijuana : 37% of men and 26.3% of women said they’d gotten busy after lighting up.

3. MDMA : 15.5% of men and women alike — the drug that scored the highest for enhancing sexual pleasure.

4. Cocaine : 10.2% of men and 9.7% of women tried mixing it with sex.

Interestingly, MDMA was the only one consistently reported to enhance sex, though marijuana and cocaine also had some positive reviews.

But if you zoom into the chemsex world — sex enhanced by drugs like methamphetamine, mephedrone, and GHB/GBL — you’ll find a very different risk profile. Chemsex started in gay male communities but has spread across orientations in recent years. It can make sex last hours…but also brings a laundry list of health hazards.

Here’s the buzzkill portion of our program.

• Meth and Mephedrone : Skyrocketing dopamine, extreme euphoria, and sometimes days of arousal — followed by paranoia, heart issues, hallucinations, and addiction. Also, overdose and death are not exactly great foreplay.

• GHB/GBL : Known as “date rape drugs” for a reason. A tiny dose can tip someone into unconsciousness, making consent impossible.

• MDMA : Euphoria and touch sensitivity, yes. But also the risk of seizures, panic attacks, overheating, and rare fatalities.

• Marijuana and sexual performance : While some swear it heightens sensation, weed can also cause erectile dysfunction, dizziness, nausea, and dry mouth (not cute mid-makeout).

• Alcohol : It might lower inhibitions, but it can also lower your ability to get or keep it up, delay orgasm, and — with long-term use — shrink your testes and tank your libido.

The risks of mixing drugs and sex aren’t just about physical side effects — they include STIs, unwanted pregnancies, and sexual assault, especially if one or both partners can’t consent.

For those dealing with erectile dysfunction, the world of PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra and Cialis can feel like a miracle. These drugs help blood flow to the penis, making erections easier to get and maintain. Viagra kicks in faster, while Cialis lasts longer — it’s like choosing between a sprint and a marathon.

If ED is linked to low testosterone, testosterone therapy for ED can help, delivered via gel, patch, injection, or implant. But testosterone isn’t just for men — women experiencing low libido can sometimes benefit, too.

For women specifically, options like Addyi and Vyleesi target sexual desire. Addyi is a daily pill, while Vyleesi is an injection you take before intimacy. And localized estrogen therapy can improve arousal and comfort by boosting blood flow and lubrication.

That said, even these “safe” female sexual dysfunction treatments and ED meds come with possible side effects and medical restrictions — especially for people with heart issues.

Here’s the thing — the sober sex benefits are seriously underrated. Without drugs or alcohol in your system, you’re more likely to:

• Get and stay fully aroused

• Experience more intense orgasms

• Remember the fun the next morning

• Give (and get) clear, enthusiastic consent

• Avoid the scary side of sex and drugs: sexual dysfunction, accidents, and legal trouble

If you’re looking for safe alternatives to sexual performance drugs, there are plenty. Think pelvic floor exercises, better sleep, a nutrient-rich diet, and natural supplements like the Popstar Volume + Taste Supplement for stronger, tastier climaxes without the sketchy side effects.

We can’t talk about sex and drugs without talking about consent and substance use. The golden rule: if someone’s impaired, they can’t consent. Period. Even if you think they’re “fine,” intoxication affects judgment, boundaries, and memory.

Sober sex isn’t just about avoiding physical risks — it’s about building trust, connection, and hot, mutual enjoyment that doesn’t rely on chemical courage.

Sex should be exciting, not a gamble with your health or safety. While the cocktail of sex and drugs might seem tempting, the reality is often a mix of unpredictable highs and long-term lows.

If you want mind-blowing sex without the scary side effects, there are better, safer ways to get there — from fitness and nutrition to expert-formulated bedroom boosters like Popstar Volume + Taste Supplement and Popstar Delay Spray that actually work.

You don’t need a pill from a stranger at a club to be a rock star in bed. You just need the right tools, the right partner(s), and a body that’s firing on all cylinders.