Can Depression Cause Low Libido?

Low libido, or sex drive, can occur in people with depression. A loss of interest in activities and low self-esteem, both of which can affect your sex life, are common with depression. A loss of sexual desire can also be a side effect of antidepressants.

Depression affects many people and is considered one of the most prevalent mental health conditions in the United States. Coping with depression can be hard in so many ways. Sex, in particular, can become a challenge for those with depression. Read on to learn how depression affects libido and how to treat sexual problems.

How Does Depression Affect Libido?

Having depression goes beyond just mood changes. Self-esteem issues are a hallmark of depression. The core diagnostic criteria of depression include chronic and pervasive feelings of worthlessness. You may also experience low self-esteem. These feelings can affect every major area of your life, including your sex life.

Depression itself also brings on several side effects that influence libido. The condition can make people lose interest in pleasurable things in their lives, increasing irritability and pessimism. It's also highly correlated with low energy and fatigue. All of this can lead to a loss of interest in or even avoidance of sex.

Do Antidepressants Cause Sexual Side Effects?

Low sex drive is a commonly reported side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). People who have been diagnosed with depression are treated with talk therapy, antidepressants, or both. Those who use medication to treat the condition are usually prescribed SSRIs. This class of drugs helps make the chemical serotonin, which affects mood, more available in the body.

The gold standard antidepressants that can affect sex drive include:

• Celexa (citalopram)
• Paxil (paroxetine)
• Prozac (fluoxetine)
• Zoloft (sertraline)

Types of Sexual Problems

Depression and SSRIs have been associated with sexual problems, such as:

• Delays in ejaculation
• Erectile dysfunction
• Loss of interest in sex
• Trouble getting aroused or having an orgasm

Treatment

It's important to talk to a healthcare provider about the side effects of SSRIs. The medications that work best may have some kind of effect on your sex life. You and your partner may work with a healthcare provider to determine what's right for you.

Don't adjust the dose, change, or stop antidepressants without talking to a healthcare provider. It might take some time for libido to come back after stopping antidepressants. Research has shown that most people see a change after a few weeks.

There are also things you can do, even without medication, that can make a difference when it comes to intimacy. A healthcare provider may advise alternate therapies for depression, such as:

• Acupuncture
• Herbs or supplements
• Regular physical activity
• Talk therapy
• Yoga

Depression can still affect your sex life, even if you're not the one with depression. It can be hard to know how to bring the issue up. Whatever you do, tread gently. Make sure they know their quality of life is more important than your sexual gratification.

Prevention

You can take steps to prevent sexual problems and improve libido, such as by:

• Avoiding alcohol or drug use and smoking, which may impact libido
• Eating a diet that's rich in nutrients
• Getting plenty of sleep each night
• Initiating non-sexual contact in and out of the bedroom, such as by touching, kissing, or cuddling

Another thing you could do is talk about your feelings. The problem might be intimacy rather than sex. Partners are sometimes unsure how to connect. The connection they had before can be strongly affected by depression. Actively attempt reconnection: Remind them how you first met, and talk about a time you felt super connected.

When To Contact a Healthcare Provider

You may consider talking to a healthcare provider if you:

• Are concerned about your relationship
• Are troubled by a sexual problem
• Have pain or other concerning symptoms during sex

A healthcare provider may recommend that you change or stop antidepressants. They can also recommend counseling or sex therapy if you're unsure how to talk to your partner about their depression or how it's affected your sex life. A counselor or therapist can help you be more open about your need for change. It's best to be clear about your needs and how your bond as a couple has changed.

A Quick Review

Depression can affect libido and cause a loss of sexual desire. Other sexual problems can include an inability to have an orgasm or erectile dysfunction. These problems can be a result of depression itself or a side effect of antidepressants.

It's important to communicate with your partner if you have sexual problems. You can also try avoiding alcohol or drug use, eating a healthy diet, and getting plenty of rest. A healthcare provider may recommend you to a counselor or sex therapist who can also help.