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Sex and Your Medicine Cabinet

The Berman Center
By Dr. Laura Berman - Posted on Fri, Sep 01, 2006, 10:06 am PDT
The Art of Intimacy
by Dr. Laura Berman a Yahoo! Health Expert for Sexual Health & STDs

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We know that popping a pill can help your sex life (Viagra, anyone?). However, far fewer of us realize that some of the medications we take can interfere with sex. Everything from a daily prescription medicine to that favorite allergy medicine can do it.

The most common sex-life spoilers are anti-depressants. Of course nobody should run off and abandon their psychiatric medications; however, many people who take anti-depressants don't realize the effect it can have on their libido, sexual function and, as a result, their relationship (or lack thereof). Anti-depressants can short-circuit the arousal process, dampen libido, hinder orgasm and there has even been research that they interfere will effectively evaluating a potential mate!

The birth control pill is another highly popular "medicine" that can mess with your sex life. Many women experience a drop in libido while on the Pill, due to decreased testosterone levels -- especially formulas that are renowned for clearing up your skin. Some studies have shown that a drop in testosterone remains even after a woman has gone off the Pill. Other birth control options may not offer the convenience, but they're worth exploring if you feel less-than-libidinous on the Pill.

Other medicine-cabinet culprits include certain blood pressure medications, which can affect erectile function, and even over-the-counter allergy medicine like Benadryl, which can cause vaginal dryness! Take a look at your current medications if you have any sexual complaints. You might be able to swap in some alternatives with fewer side effects after a thorough discussion with your doctor.


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