Antidepressants and loss of libido

[glowfrog]

Just read this:

www.theguardian.com/society/2024/mar/02/ssri-antidepressants-sexual-dysfunction-side-effects-consequences-libido

I was on Sertraline for a couple of years for PND a few years ago and while my libido has diminished to the point of non-existence, I thought maybe it was the after-effect of having two kids. Now I'm wondering if it's as a result of taking SSRIs. I was still hoping that it would somehow return but now not feeling optimistic.

I'm 46 and I've started HRT, btw. So probably impossible to tell what the issue might be.

I am sorry to hear about your experience. I am a man who took SSRIs for a short time in the late 1990s and who experienced the onset of ED at around the same point. It may be coincidence, but I have my doubts. Nearly three decades later and things are no different.

SSRIs are a waking nightmare for many people and have been largely prescribed for the wrong reasons. I would advise anyone to take them only as a last resort.

I hope that your situation is resolved. Best wishes.

I'm sorry that you are struggling with this @glowfrog

Have a look at the work of Dr Karen Gurney- she is known as the Sex Doctor on Instagram. She does a lot around sexual desire and libido.

It would also be worth you looking up the benefits of adding Testosterone to your HRT, if youre not already taking it. It can be tricky to get it prescribed on the NHS, but can be done. Private clinics will offer it - Newson Clinic offers a Testosterone service that just looks at adding T to your HRT.

This is a useful Web page https://thehavelockclinic.com/sex-and-ssris/

@xpc316e that's awful to hear. ☹️

@Oh2beatsea thank you - I have been wondering about testosterone. I'll check out your recommendations.

I think it's probably true of blood pressure medications as well.

It is definitely a common side effect of SSRI medication that is widely reported. Not sure if it affects men more than women or the same but my hubby was on Sertraline for about 2 years and it had a big effect on his libido after just a few months. Thankfully he was fine if I initiated things, but without this he just didn't get any urges to do so and his need to masturbate just went away while he was on them. He came off the medication last year and things seem to have mostly gone back to what they were before he went on them.

It’s definitely a thing, I can get turned on but nothing like previous and definitely can’t reach the destination! Thankfully when I’ve reduced dosage it’s come back