Medications and your sexual health
Medications can affect your sexual health.
It is always smart to ask about side effects before starting any medication. It is also smart to ask specifically about side effects to your sexual health. Although I realize that many providers do not address sex, I want to encourage you to be the one to bring it up! If that sounds scary, I have provided tips on how to talk to a provider about sex to help you.
Your sexual health matters and I want to help you gain confidence to talk about it! If you think you may be experiencing side effects like these below or others, contact your health care provider to discuss it.
Examples of sexual function that can be affected:
ability to reach orgasm
natural lubrication
diminishment of sensations
erectile dysfunction or problems with ejaculation
decrease in sexual desire.
Examples of medications that may have side effects for your sexual health:
antidepressants (SSRIs and your sex life)
hormones and hormonal birth control
anti-hypertensives for high blood pressure
some antihistamines
