Have you had problems with your sex drive recently? It could be that some common prescription medication is to blame for the drop off in your desire. Having a low libido can have a damaging effect on your sexual health, and can also affect the wellbeing of your partner and the wellness of your relationship.
Ironically, one of the main causes of lack of sex drive is the birth control pill. You could almost believe that it works by making the woman not want to have sex with the man any more, and thus no conception occurs!
Of course, this is not the case for all birth control pills, or all women either. Some women find that the pills increase their levels of a sex hormone called SHBG, which then lowers the amount of testosterone in their blood and makes them not feel like having sex.
A small study from Boston University even found that the pill had an effect on the long-term libido of some women, making them less likely to want sex even after they stop taking the pill, but this kind of long-term effect is thought to be very rare.
If you think that your pill might be lowering your sex drive, the best thing to do is to try another pill, or even another form of birth control.
Antidepressants are another common cause of low libido. Types known as SSRIs, which include Prozac, are the worst culprits. On the other hand, depression itself can cause low libido, so some people are unsure as to whether it is the condition or the medication, and others actually find that antidepressants improve their libido.
Diabetes drugs may also lower libido, as well as reducing sexual pleasure and the ability to orgasm. If you are on diabetes medication – or any of the medications listed above – and feel that your sex life may be suffering, don’t hesitate to call your GP.