An orgasm, or the ability to get out of bed tomorrow morning?
An important caveat: Im not a medical doctor.
Im a sex therapist.
Anti-Anxiety/Anti-Depressant Medications
These classes of medications are notorious for causing sexual side effects.
This group includes SSRIs, the most common class of antidepressants.
Complicating matters is that depression itself can cause many of these symptoms.
But its certainly not a cure-all.
Medications aside, the single best thing you’re able to do is exercise regularly.
Vigorous exercise has been proven tocombat the sexual side effectsof these medications.
Its also fantastic for your mental health in general.
I know its always challenging to start an exercise regimen, but this is some pretty damn powerful motivation.
For sensation-related issues, you may want to change the ways you have sex.
You may need to go for a longer period of time, to reach orgasm.
Adding lube can also increase sensation and decrease discomfort.
Theres a limited amount of research that shows that supplements likeMacaandGinkgo Bilobacan combat sexual side effects.
Talk to your doctor about the possibility of adding them to your regimen.
Antihistamines
Most people dont realize that antihistamines can cause sexual side effects.
Surprise,they can!
Meds:Allegra, Benadryl, Claritin, Seroquel, Zyrtec.
If you typically get it on at night, try taking your antihistamine in the morning.
Use lube to combat dryness issues.
Meds:Beta blockers like Betaloc, Cardicor, Emcor, Inderal, Lopresor, Nebilet, and Tenormin.
Diuretics like loop diuretics, osmotic diuretics, potassium-sparing diuretics, and Thiazides.
Its extremely important to work with your doctor to create a game plan.
That doesnt mean you dont have options.
Your particular reaction to a blood pressure medication can vary.
Hair Loss Medications
This is an interesting category.
Propecia, the popular hair loss medication, has beenshown to causea number of sexual side effects.
Disturbingly,some studieshave shown that the effects can last long after you stop taking Propecia.
Its worth considering the possible side effects before deciding to even start the medication.
Meds:Propecia
Rogaine is available over the counter and hasnt been linked to any sexual side effects.
High-Cholesterol Medications
Statins are the main class of cholesterol medications.
Interestingly, statins have been shown to bothlead to and alleviateerectile difficulties.
Meds:Crestor, Lescol, Lipitor, Zocor
Talk to your doctor about testing your hormone levels.
Your doctor may prescribetestosterone therapyif they believe the statin is affecting your testosterone levels.
Hormonal birth control
Thesexual side effects of birth controlis a pretty controversial and complex topic.
Birth control works by changing the hormone levels in your body.
These same hormones play a role in your sex drive.
A lot of women report that being on birth control decreases their sex drive.
On the other hand, knowing youre taking an effective step towards preventing pregnancy can increase your sex drive.
Meds:there are hundreds of different types of hormonal birth control.
Available forms include the patch, the pill, the ring, and the shot.
Dr. Batra recommends talking to your doctor about other types of contraception.
Options include non-hormonal birth control like condoms or a diaphragm.
Or talk to your doctor about Paragard, the non-hormonal IUD.
Use lube for dryness.
The lucky few only need to take painkillers for a short amount of time, for a specific injury.
But those with chronic pain conditions may need to grapple with the side effects for much longer.
Dr. Batra says, These side effects typically improve with decreasing doses of or weaning off opioid medications.
Men have it better off than women in this regard.
If youre a man, your doctor may prescribetestosterone therapyto combat opioid-induced sexual side effects.
But you deserve a healthy and fulfilling sex life, if you want one.
Allow yourself to take the time and effort to acknowledge and address sexual side effects.
Its far too easy to avoid self care, but its extremely important.
Dr. Batra says, Your doctor definitely wants to hear about any side effects you may be experiencing.
Dont be afraid to speak up!
Switch doctors if need be.
You may notice that your side effects lessen or even disappear.
Keep talking to your doctor throughout this process.
Talk about your expectations.If youre in a relationship, keep the lines of communication open.
