While antidepressants are often integral to managing depression, sexuality is an important piece of ahealthy lifefor many people.
Experiencing sexual side effects from antidepressants can be frustrating and disheartening, but there are ways to address them.
Side effects also often decrease with time as your body adjusts to your medication.
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Never stop taking your medication without first talking to your doctor.
Research indicates these sexual side effects are quite common.
Sexual dysfunction related to depression may be even more prevalent than the statistics show.
People may feel embarrassed and reluctant to report sexual problems to their doctor or psychiatrist.
Communication will be very importantnot just with your partner, but with your health care team.
You may need to try more than one before you find something that effectively addresses your symptoms.
Some people find this change is enough to reduce the sexual side effects while still effectively treating their depression.
Trintellix is a depression medication that has been shown to involve fewer sexual side effects, for example.
However, this strategy may not work with every antidepressant.
But, it also makes taking a “holiday” from the medication more difficult.
Both can have a detrimental effect on your depression symptoms and treatment outcomes.
You may find these strategies even help you better manage your depression overall.
You might tryexercisingtogether to gear up for sex or incorporate new types of stimulation into your routine.
There are many psychological and physical ailments that can affect your sexuality other than depression and medications.
A person with HSDD does not pursue sexual closeness and many do not think or fantasize about sex.
However, this is not the case for people with HSDD.
HSDD is sometimes compared to asexuality since both involve a lack of sexual interest.
It is important to note that HSDD differs from asexuality.
Sexual dysfunction can also be because of certain behaviors.
If you use alcohol or other substances.
You may experience sexual side effects as a result of substance use or withdrawal.
These factors may make it more challenging to cope with sexual side effects due to depression or medications.
Talking With Your Partner
Communication is an important part of ahealthy relationship.
Maintaining open dialogue is part of keeping your relationship strong.
Together, you and your partner can create a space in which you both feel safeexpressing your feelings.
Avoid placing blame on the other person, but also resist the urge to blame yourself.
Work Together
Depression can make someone feel very alone.
When you love someone who is depressed you may feel isolated from them.
Remember, you are in it together.
Reinforce your partnership often and in ways that are separate from sex.
Remember that frequency isn’t everything, and focus on building affection and intimacy.
A therapists own knowledge and experience can also make them an invaluable resource for possible solutions.
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