Hi guys,
I’m back on SSRIs and I’ve really noticed a drop in my libido, my ability to get aroused in the moment, my ability to stay aroused and my ability to orgasm!
I haven’t cum with my partner since I started taking them, even when we’ve used toys, and I miss it! Any top tips on how to make my sensation come back?!
(Cis Female btw)
Always see a doctor for medical advice, but for a layman’s advice- SSRIs take a long while to balance out (which I’m sure you’re aware of) and depending on specific one you’re on, there’s a good chance that reduced libido is a known side effect sadly. Key thing is not to blame yourself for any changes for 2 reasons. Firstly, it’s not your fault and secondly putting pressure on yourself to perform may actually make it harder to get there. Stress can very much be a factor.
Maybe try setting aside some you time to just do whatever feels good and see if the stimulation you find enjoyable has changed at all?
On another angle, have you done any kind of ovulation test since starting on the SSRIs? I know my wife is always significantly more interested in sex around her ovulation window and if the SSRIs have affected your ovulation, that could be a factor.
Only other thing I know of which may help is something like a maca root supplement. I’ve not got any personal experience with this but have heard it’s supposed to help with hormone balance and then support female libido through that.
It’s best to relay the information on low libido to your doctor. There are many meds and finding the right one or combination can be a journey. Most of all don’t settle on a med if you don’t like the side effects. Take note of how you feel on a new med for 4-6 weeks and be very detailed on how it makes you feel to your doctor. Eventually with this process, you’ll find one that works perfectly for you. Taking meds doesn’t mean you have to give up something you enjoy.
If you’ve only been on the SSRIs for a short while, give it a little longer to see if your system just needs to adjust to them. If it doesn’t work itself out have a chat to your GP ( I’m just waiting on an appointment for a very similar thing - ED possibly from ADHD meds ). You may want to try a different one or there may be other ways they can help.
Its very easy for this kind of thing to get into your head and feed on itself. Try to catch that in the bud. Remove orgasms as a goal and just wallow in pleasure. Take it easy and slow. Just think sensuality.
If you cum, you cum, if you don’t, you don’t. Don’t use an orgasm as the ultimate arbiter of successful sex. You can do so much more. Maybe take the opportunity to try different things just for the fun of it.
With curiosity and compassion are how I try to approach many things these days.