Suzanne NobleHost, Sex Advice for Seniors · Sex, Dating & Relationship Advice for Over 50s

What are the sexual side effects of common medications?

10 Aug 2024 · 1 min

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1:13

In this brief monologue, the speaker highlights how prescription drugs—particularly antidepressants—can negatively affect sexual function, including reduced libido, difficulty achieving orgasm, and erectile problems. They note that physicians often avoid discussing these issues, especially with older patients, assuming a lack of interest in sex. The speaker urges listeners to proactively ask their doctors about potential sexual side effects of any medication they are prescribed. They also mention that, while rare, some antidepressants have been reported to enhance sexual function, though such drugs are not commonly prescribed. The overall message is to raise awareness and encourage open communication with healthcare providers regarding sexual health and medication side effects.

Chapters

Let's talk about prescription medications and how they can impact upon your sex life. I know that antidepressants in particular can be a real bummer when it comes to trying to have an orgasm or even having an erection. Um, and there's other drugs out there that might also create a loss of libido and just struggles around your sex life and sex performance. Of course, doctors don't normally talk about these sorts of things because I suspect that they think that as older people we might not really be interested in having a sex life. But if you are interested in having a sex life and you are prescribed medications, do be sure and ask if there are any sexual side effects because, you know, it's important, right? And there are certain drugs, for instance, um, I've just read of an antidepressant, for instance, that might actually enhance your sex life by but isn't normally prescribed. It's not regularly prescribed. So, you know, it's important that we're informed on how these drugs we're taking might impact on our sex life. And it's up to us really to have the courage to be able to ask our doctors what those side effects might be.