One of the common things people worry about when taking an antidepressant is how it will affect them. People wonder if it will change their personality or make them sleepy. Others wonder if it will make them addicted or if it will even help. One area that can be particularly worrisome for some people is sexual side effects.
While some people feel comfortable talking about things related to their sex life, others find it to be awkward or even taboo to discuss. Fortunately, doctors and Christian Marriage Counselors are trained to talk about this topic. You can be assured that talking to a doctor or counselor about your sexual concerns is a safe, nonjudgmental option.
We want to help you understand and feel more comfortable discussing the sexual side effects possible with antidepressants. Here are some questions you may be wondering about as you consider antidepressants and your sex life.
Do all antidepressants cause sexual side effects?
No. As with any medication, people experience a wide variety of potential side effects, with many people experiencing none. It is important to understand that any antidepressant prescribed by a doctor has been tested and deemed safe. If there are side effects, sexual or otherwise, it is often deemed that the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks associated with it.
What types of sexual side effects should you look for?
When taking any new medication, it is important to be aware of any changes in your body, mood, or behavior. Noting these things can help you and your medical team make the best decisions for your unique needs.
Specific sexual side effects commonly associated with antidepressants vary in type and severity. Possibilities include:
- Decreased interest in sex or lower sex drive.
- Vaginal dryness.
- Erectile problems.
- Difficulty achieving orgasm.
- Discomfort.
While these are undesirable, it is important to remember that not everyone experiences these side effects. For those that do, it can be in varying degrees and may be temporary. Sometimes side effects are only present while your body adjusts to your new medication.
Sometimes, these types of side effects are not connected to the medication. Instead, they are a result of the medical issue being treated such as depression. When you experience depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues, it can affect your sex life. In this instance, medication can help alleviate the sex issues you are experiencing.
What should you do if you notice any sexual side effects?
You must communicate about any side effects that you experience that may be connected to your medication or medical condition. Important people to talk to include:
Doctor.
Talking to your doctor is important because they can assess what is best for you medically and how to help.
Counselor.
Talking to a counselor can help you handle the side effects of the medication and how it affects you and your relationships. They can also help treat the underlying depression the medication is treating.
Partner or spouse.
Sexual side effects affect your spouse. Talking to your spouse or partner will help you ensure the health of your relationship and enable them to support you as you walk through this.
Each one of these people plays an important role in helping you. Open, honest communication, even if it feels awkward, is better than ignoring symptoms or pretending.
We are here to help.
This is a complex issue that can be hard to talk about. The Marriage Counselors at San Diego Christian Counseling are here to support you, answer your questions, and help you find ways to handle any side effects that you may be experiencing.
At San Diego Christian Counseling, we offer a confidential, judgment-free place for you to get the support you need. Reach out today.
“Pills”, Courtesy of Towfiqu barbhuiya, Unsplash.com, CC0 License; “Pill Box”, Courtesy of Towfiqu barbhuiya, Unsplash.com, CC0 License
