SSRIs and Your Sexual Health
A significant number of people are taking medications for depression or anxiety and they are not always aware of the possible side effects to their sexual health. Truthfully, even if the usual side effects are listed for you, the ones dealing with your sex life are often left off that list.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant and the 3rd most often prescribed medication in the United States. They are also prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. While not every person on SSRIs experiences side effects, these types of medication are known to have a potential impact on your sexual health. Studies indicate that these side effects may occur after a few doses, show up years afterward and can possibly persist for decades after use.
Medication Examples include: Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, Luvox
Possible secondary sexual problems caused by these medications are:
Less interest in sex
Difficulty becoming aroused
Sustaining arousal
Issues reaching orgasm
Delayed ejaculation
Erectile problems
Genital anesthesia
Nipple insensitivity
Decreased lubrication of the vagina
Diminished capacity to experience sexual pleasure
Pleasureless orgasms
Helpful considerations:
Keep in mind that depression & anxiety itself may be the underlying cause of some sexual difficulties and this must be taken into account when troubleshooting if what you are experiencing is related to a medication or a mental health condition.
The majority of side effects are overlapping except for the following that have been found specific to SSRIs: genital anesthesia, nipple or glans insensitivity, and pleasureless orgasms.
Talk to your medical provider about the side effects you are experiencing. Discuss the possibility of adjusting dosage, or another medication that is known to be sexually sparing, or having less sexual side effects. (tips for talking with your healthcare provider)
Talk openly with your partner about what you are experiencing. Have an honest conversation about the changes or issues and how the two of you might adapt or work with them together. Revisit this conversation often.
Notice what time of day you have the least amount of side effects and schedule sex for that time. Try morning sex instead of late at night.
Consider using a vibrator as a tool for a quicker arousal and warming up with potential to reach orgasm.
Bring a lube into your sexual tool kit to decrease friction and increase pleasure.
Try exercising before sex, to increase blood flow to your genitals.
Work with a trained therapist to talk through issues, problems, and possible solutions.
*photo courtesy of Kristin Scharkey
