How do SSRIs cause sexual dysfunction?
Understanding key mechanisms can help improve patient adherence, prognosis
Sexual health education
Because sexual dysfunction can be caused by underlying psychopathology or physical illness, it is essential to obtain a detailed sexual history at your patient’s initial assessment and at every follow-up visit. Patients and providers may be guarded when discussing sexual health, which can be a barrier to providing comprehensive health care. The organizations listed in Related Resources can provide information and materials to help patients and health care providers better understand sexual health. Addressing the importance of sexual health in a comprehensive, culturally sensitive manner can substantially improve our patients’ medication compliance and prognosis.
- American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. www.aasect.org.
- Sexual Medicine and Wellness Center. www.methodistsexualwellness.com.
- The Sexual Health Network. www.sexualhealth.com.
- International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health. www.isswsh.org.
Drug Brand Names
- Bethanechol • Urecholine
- Citalopram • Celexa
- Clomipramine • Anafranil
- Dapoxetine • Priligy
- Digoxin • Lanoxin
- Escitalopram • Lexapro
- Fluoxetine • Prozac
- Fluvoxamine • Luvox
- Paroxetine • Paxil
- Sertraline • Zoloft
- Sildenafil • Viagra
Disclosure
The authors report no financial relationship with any company whose products are mentioned in this article or with manufacturers of competing products.
