What does sexual dysfunction mean?

It refers to the difficulty which may be experienced by and individual or even a couple during the normal sexual activity. It includes physical pleasure, desire for sex, arousal etc. In simpler terms, this is a condition resulting from problems getting and maintaining an erection, decreased libido level, delayed ejaculation and the lack of orgasm. The condition results to one or both of the people involved in sexual intercourse not being satisfied. It is a condition which can have many causes, ranging from physical, emotional and psychological causes. In this article though, we will dwell on the sexual dysfunction which results from drug abuse and prescription drugs.

Do drug substances cause sexual dysfunction?

Drug substances use has been among the leading causes of sexual dysfunction (Erectile dysfunction. This is because some of these drugs are interconnected with stress. As people execute their daily activities, stress becomes a common factor. Some of the drugs that people abuse are also capable of inducing stress in the person. What stress does is to cause the body release adrenaline which is known to fight with the erectile function.

There are unhealthy habits that lead to impaired circulation erode a man’s quantity and quality of erection include the excessive use of alcohol, illegal drugs abuse, and certain prescription medications or over the counter medication.

Recreational drugs that causes sexual dysfunction

There are drugs that are used by people for recreation purposes, but they are known to have influence on the sexual dysfunction. Some of these drugs include: –

o Alcohol – alcohol is normally taken by many people for relaxation among many other reasons. Although taking of little amount of alcohol has been proven to have little or no effect on sexual drive, the excessive consumption of alcohol may impair the person’s sexual abilities.

o Cocaine – this is an illegal drug in many countries but people still consume it. It has negative effects to the sexual drive.

o Marijuana – this is also another illegal drug in many countries. Its usage has immense effect to the brain and causes depression in some cases. This leads to stress which triggers decline in libido and general performance in sexual activity.

o Heroine

o Nicotine

o Barbiturates

o Amphetamines

Opiates that cause sexual dysfunction

These are drugs that are commonly used for pain killing purposes and in most cases they are over the counter unlike prescription medication. When they are appropriately used, many of the opiates have negligible side effects but upon abuse, many of them have severe side effects. Among these side effects, is their effect on the person’s sexual dysfunction!

The following are the common opiates that are known to have effect on the sexual dysfunction:-

o Codeine

o Methadone

o Morphine

o Fentanyl (innovar)

o Hydromorphone

o Meperidine

o Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percodan)

Which are the Prescription drugs that cause sexual dysfunction?

sexual dysfuction Some drugs that are prescribed to the patients by doctors may have negative effect on the sexual functioning. This effect though comes as a side effect and the intended use of the medicine is therefore considered advantageous over the side effect. Thus the benefit that the drug gives makes it possible for us to overlook its effects on the sex drive.

The list of the prescription drugs that cause sexual dysfunction is too long and to list them will be impossible. This doesn’t though mean the prescription drug that you may be currently taking is part of these drugs which cause sexual dysfunction. The intensity of sexual dysfunction that is caused by different drugs varies also, and therefore some of the drug’s effects on sexual dysfunction are considered negligible.

The following are the common prescription drugs that have adverse effect on sexual dysfunction:-

Statins and fibrates

These are medications prescribed to treat high cholesterol in the body. Researchers have argued that while limiting the cholesterol in the body, which is the building block of hormones, these prescription drugs are likely to affect the production of testosterone, estrogen and other sex hormones. Statins can also cause rhabdomyolysis (a break in muscles) leading to joint pain and fatigue why leads low sex drive.

Blood pressure medications

One principle that the medication that is prescribed for high blood pressure treatment works based on is lowering of pressure in the blood. It lowers the pressure inside the blood to ensure that the heart doesn’t have to do a hard task in pumping the blood round the body.

Blood pressure itself can cause sexual dysfunction as well as its medication. In men this decrease in the blood pressure can lead to low or no desire for sex and also interfere with erection and ejaculation. On the other hand, In ladies, it can cause vaginal dryness, decrease in desire for sex or even difficulties in orgasm achievement.

The high blood pressure medication which has beta and alpha blockers has been found to have a big effect on the sexual activity. These medications work through sedation and making a person feel depressed hence through this interference with nerve impulses associated with arousal and reduction of testosterone level makes one’s sexual desire go down.

What do I do if I suspect my prescription medicine is causing sexual dysfunction?

As we have seen, not all prescription medication causes sexual dysfunction. But in case you suspect that the medication that the doctor has subjected you to is causing sexual dysfunction, you should consult your doctor who will examine whether the drugs are the cause for sexual dysfunction and advice your accordingly.