Sexual problems (low desire, arousal, or orgasm)

Overview

Antidepressants and blood pressure medicines often affect sex.

Low sex drive, arousal problems, and trouble with orgasm can come from stress, medicines, hormones, or relationship issues.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Low desire or trouble with arousal or orgasm

Less common

• Pain with sex
• Low sex drive

When to get medical care

Causes

Stress, medicines, hormones.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Menopause
• Depression

Possible complications

• Erectile dysfunction

Diagnosis

A clinician talks with you.

Questions you may be asked

• Medicines, mood, relationship

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Hormone tests: Sometimes.

Treatment

Address the causes.

Self-care

• Talk with your partner
• Manage stress
• Exercise
• Use lubricant

Sex therapy helps many.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gynecologist, a urologist, or a certified sex therapist.

Living with it

• Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
• Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
• Stay active in ways that feel good to you.
• Get enough sleep and manage stress.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Menopause: Vaginal estrogen can help dryness.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Could my medicines cause this?
• Should my hormones be checked?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Sexual problems (low desire, arousal, or orgasm)