Medications That Affect Your Sex Drive and How To Find Relief

womansworld.com · Feb 14, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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Imagine this: Everything in your relationship is going great. You love your partner and feel more connected than ever. But lately, you just can’t get in the mood—and you have no idea why. Sound familiar? Here’s something that might surprise you: That drop in your sex drive could be linked to your medication. We spoke to a leading gynecologist who reveals the six most common prescriptions that can lower libido and what to do if yours is on the list. Is it common for medications to impact your sex drive? When we think of low libido, our minds often go to familiar triggers like relationship stress or hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause—and those are absolutely valid factors. But there’s another common culprit that rarely gets discussed: medication. “It is quite common for medications to influence libido and sexual function in women because female sexual desire is regulated by a complex interplay between estrogen, testosterone, dopamine, serotonin, vascular blood flow and psychological context,” says Maral Malekzadeh, DO, Board-Certified Gynecologist & Co-Owner of The Well Westlake. “Many medications alter one or more of these systems.” “Some medications also affect genital blood flow or contribute indirectly through fatigue, weight changes or mood shifts,” adds Dr. Malekzadeh. “Because female sexual response is multifactorial rather than driven by a single pathway, even subtle neurochemical or hormonal shifts can meaningfully affect desire, arousal or orgasm.” Many of us need prescription medications to manage health conditions, but it’s not always clear which ones have side effects that can include libido changes. Here, six common triggers: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) “SSRIs, used to treat depression and anxiety, increase serotonin levels, which can suppress dopamine and blunt sexual arousal, motivation and orgasm,” explains Dr. Malekzadeh. Combination birth control “Combined hormonal contraceptives, prescribed for pregnancy prevention and cycle regulation, suppress ovulation and increase [the] sex hormone-binding globulin, lowering bioavailable testosterone that contributes to desire,” explains Dr. Malekzadeh. (Learn why some women are turning to testosterone therapy to restore their libido during menopause.) Beta blockers “Certain beta blockers used for high blood pressure and heart rhythm conditions reduce sympathetic nervous system activity and may decrease genital blood flow, impairing arousal,” explains Dr. Malekzadeh. Anti-androgen medications Dr. Malekzadeh explains that medications like spironolactone, which are often used to treat acne or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), work by lowering hormones called androgens, which are produced by both men and women. Since these hormones help support sex drive, some women may notice a drop in libido while taking them. Chronic opioid medications Chronic use of opioid pain medications can disrupt signals between the brain and reproductive organs, which reduces the body’s production of estrogen and testosterone, Dr. Malekzadeh explains. When those sex hormone levels drop, women may notice less sexual desire and vaginal dryness. Antipsychotics Dr. Malekzadeh explains that some antipsychotic medications can raise levels of prolactin, which is a hormone that helps the body produce breast milk. When prolactin levels rise too much, it can lower the production of ovarian hormones like estrogen, which may reduce sexual interest and affect sexual function. What to do if your medication is affecting your sex drive If a medication you currently take is on this list, we understand that your first reaction may be to stop taking it. However, Dr. Malekzadeh strongly advises against abruptly stopping your medication without speaking to your doctor first, as it can be harmful to your health. Instead, she walks us through three steps to take if you suspect a prescription medicine is impacting your sexual activity or desire: Talk to your doctor You deserve to feel like yourself again—and your doctor is your partner in making that happen, so don’t hesitate to speak up. “The first step is to have a direct, specific conversation with the prescribing clinician, asking whether dose adjustment, timing changes or alternative medications with fewer sexual side effects are appropriate,” says Dr. Malekzadeh. And even when you know what you want to say in theory, getting the words out can be difficult. Dr. Malekzadeh suggests using direct language like: “Since starting this medication, I’ve noticed changes in my sexual desire. Are there options that might reduce this common side effect while still treating my condition?” Dr. Malekzadeh adds that your doctor may be able to switch your medication to one that may help improve sexual side effects, so your sex life doesn’t have to suffer while you continue treating the condition the medication was prescribed for. “For example, some patients taking SSRIs may respond well to antidepressants with a different mechanism of action that have a lower incidence of sexual side effects, and some individuals on combined hormonal contraceptives may benefit from non-hormonal methods or formulations with different hormonal profiles,” explains Dr. Malekzadeh. Prioritize your overall wellness Think back to the last time you got restorative, restful sleep or moved your body in a way that feels good to you. If you’re struggling to picture a time, your lack of sexual desire could be connected. “Supporting vascular health through regular exercise, adequate sleep and stress management can improve overall sexual function because blood flow and nervous system balance play meaningful roles in arousal,” explains Dr. Malekzadeh. Consider a localized solution If you’ve identified what’s causing the mental disconnect in your desire, but your body is physically not cooperating, a topical solution could help. “For some women, localized therapies such as vaginal estrogen may address dryness or discomfort without altering systemic medication regimens,” says Dr. Malekzadeh. Why you should take libido changes seriously Your intimate life isn’t a luxury—it’s an essential part of your overall wellbeing and happiness. If you’ve been experiencing these changes, know that you don’t have to accept them as your new normal. Your doctor is there to work with you to find solutions that honor all aspects of your health. Ready for more empowering health news? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.