Can Taking Antidepressants Affect My Sexual Function?

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According to the National Institute of Mental health, depression is noted as having four major symptoms:

1. a frequently recurring sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
2. Repeated feelings of negativity, feeling devoid of hope
3. Repeated feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
4. A lack of interest, desire or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed.

That fourth symptom can also apply to sex. Many people with depression find they no longer have the energy, desire or confidence to have sex. Women are twice as likely to experience depression as men, and a lot of this has to do with hormones. Women have menstrual cycles, which imply a constant shifting in hormonal levels. Women also experience life and hormone-changing events like pregnancy, miscarriage, postpartum, PMS, pre-menopause and menopause itself.

Sometimes, depression can be genetic. Other times it can be caused by a hormonal imbalance.Depressive episodes can also be onset by loss, anxiety, stress or financial, work or relationship troubles. The problem with depression and sexuality is that while depression can steal sexuality from its victims, so can the medications used to treat it. A lot of antidepressants totally kill a woman's sex drive, preventing her from ever being "in the mood."

Not being "in the mood" on a persistent basis is referred to as Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD). FSAD can be caused by a lot of things. Emotional trauma, stress, anxiety, negative feelings (guilt, fear, etc.) towards sexuality, discomfort with a partner, or physical pain during intercourse. FSAD can also refer to an inability to become physically aroused, or stay physically aroused, or to achieve orgasm. Prolonged FSAD can result in relationship problems as well as feelings of depression and low self-esteem. This might seem like being caught in a vicious cycle, but there are things you can do about it. Sometimes, the solution to FSAD on its own is simple.

Frequently, FSAD can be helped with the use of therapy. Talking about sexual dysfunction with a knowledgeable practitioner can help, especially when combined with the understanding, support and respect of a caring partner. If pain during intercourse is causing you to avoid it, it's important to ask yourself what's causing the pain. Common infections (such as yeast or bacterial infections) can cause irritation and pain during sex, and they can be easily treated with antibiotics or over-the-counter creams and suppositories. Pain is also caused by a lack of lubrication. Lubrication is one of the key functions of arousal, and won't occur if something like FSAD, depression or antidepressants is inhibiting your desire. A natural option would involve taking a supplement.