Depression and Medication Effects Sex
Sexual Intimacy.
Sexual side effects caused by antidepressants are completely recognized, but this represents a practical problem of managing to physicians. Erectile dysfunction, diminished libido and delayed/attenuated or absent orgasm (dysorgasmia or anorgasmia) are the most common sexual side effects reported because of antidepressant treatment.
However, sexual side effects caused by antidepressants are also a very challenge to clinicians, since they have to distinguish between sexual dysfunction (SD) associated with depression, treatment-emergent SD and pre-existing SD exacerbated by treatment.
Making the difference between these situations is quite important, since treatment strategies are not the same for the above mentioned SDs. Sexual dysfunction associated with depression may be treated raising the antidepressant dose, however, this would be particularly inappropriate for a treatment-emergent SD, in which case the appropriate thing is to lower the dose.
For managing appropriately antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, experts recommend that clinicians may attempt to alleviate the sexual side effects of a drug though a reduction of the dose and/or a change to an alternative therapy that may be less likely to cause sexual side effects. These strategies are more likely to be used in patients who are not responding fully to treatment and also risk sacrificing the therapeutic benefit of treatment.
Nonpharmacologic interventions are also recommended by experts. Behavioral and cognitive-behavioral techniques employed by sex therapists are the most common, although there are no studies evaluating their success in patients taking antidepressants.
There exist a number of medications quite useful in the treatment of sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressants. Under experts' opinion, the most common medications for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction fall into three categories:
Dopaminergic agents, such as amantadine and pramipexole.
a2-adrenergic receptor antagonists such as yohimbine.
Serotonin 5-HT2 or 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, including granisetron, nefazodone and cyproheptadine.
Contact Genovieve Feasey Relationship Coach/Hypnotherapist for Sexual Issues.
Sexual Therapy Can Help You Communicate.
Do you experience a difficulty during a sexual activity and are not able to satisfy your partner in bed? If the answer to this question is yes, then you may be suffering from sexual dysfunction.
Sexual dysfunction is the difficulty faced by an individual or the couple that prevents them from enjoying a sexual activity. Since people hesitate to discuss about their sexual problems with one another, many of them start believing that they are not normal and their sexual problem is unique or shameful. This is however just a myth. Due to the changes in the emotional and psychological behavior of man, sexual dysfunction has become quite common these days. It can be dealt with emotionally by communicating your mate, a trust worthy friend, a doctor or a Counsellor or Psychotherapist. By overcoming your limiting beliefs about
what you say to others can simply relieve anxiety or stress; which that in itself and be the main route to sexual dysfunction.
Sexual dysfunction can occur at any stage of a person’s life. It can begin early or can even develop after a person had previously experienced and enjoyed having sex. The causes originating sexual dysfunction can be physical as well as psychological. Emotional factors include certain personal problems such as marital/relationship problems, communication gap between the partners or lack of trust. Psychological problems like depression, sexual fears or guilt etc also cause sexual dysfunction. Those addicted to alcohol or drugs can also face a similar problem. It is also witnessed by people who suffer from diabetes and degenerative neurological disorders.
Sexual dysfunction disorders are usually classified into four categories as sexual desire disorder, sexual arousal disorder, sexual pain disorder and orgasm disorders.
• A decrease in the production of estrogen (in women) or testosterone (in men and women) can cause a sexual desire disorder. Other factors such as age, pregnancy, fatigue or psychological conditions are also responsible.
• Sexual arousal disorder in men may be due to partial or complete failure of attaining an erection of penis.
• Decreased blood flow, lack of vaginal lubrication and the nature of relationship between the partners also contribute to the breakdown of sexual arousal.
• Orgasm disorder can occur both in men and women. The SSRI antidepressants are responsible for delaying or eliminating the achievement of orgasm.
• Sexual pain disorders mostly affect women. These are commonly known as dyspareunia and vaginismus. It may be caused due to vaginal dryness in women.
There are various treatment of sexual dysfunction. As sexual arousal disorder is the major problem faced nowadays. Levitra is considered as the best option to treat this malfunction. It can work effectively to cure this illness in men. It blocks an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5 and then relaxes muscles in the penis thus improving the blood flow. Hence, it helps in having a natural erection.
Anybody can face a sexual dysfunction at any stage of life. Do no regard it as something abnormal. Recognize your illness at the right time and try to seek medical assistance or Counselling Sexual Advice. I am Genovieve Feasey Therapist for Individuals or Couples resolving conflict or dis harmony within a Relationship.http;//www.thechoicetochange.com
