Sexual desire: What changes it and what you can do

Low sexual desire is common and confusing. Sometimes it’s hormones, sometimes a drug side effect, and sometimes stress or relationship issues. Here you'll find clear, practical steps and plain facts about medicines that can change libido, what to ask your doctor, and simple things you can try right away.

Medications that affect libido

Certain prescription drugs are well known to lower interest in sex. SSRIs (common antidepressants like sertraline or fluoxetine) often reduce libido and delay orgasm. Antipsychotics such as risperidone can also blunt sexual interest by changing hormone balance. Blood pressure medicines and finasteride (used for hair loss) are other frequent culprits.

On the flip side, some medications can help. Bupropion (Bupron SR is one form) is an antidepressant with a lower risk of sexual side effects and in some people it may restore desire. For men struggling with performance, PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis) improve blood flow and confidence, which sometimes boosts desire indirectly. For persistent low desire tied to low testosterone, hormone therapy may be appropriate; for women there are prescription options like flibanserin or bremelanotide—these need careful medical review.

If a drug might be the problem, don’t stop it suddenly. Talk to your prescriber about switching to an option with fewer sexual side effects, lowering the dose, or adding a countermeasure medication. A good prescriber will weigh sexual side effects against the benefits of current treatment.

Practical steps you can try today

First, check basics: sleep, alcohol, smoking, and stress. Poor sleep and heavy drinking blunt desire fast. Regular exercise raises energy and mood. Small changes—cutting back on alcohol, moving 30 minutes most days, and prioritizing sleep—often produce quick wins.

Mental health matters. Depression and anxiety lower libido. If mood is low, treating it (and choosing medicines that spare sexual function) can restore interest. Relationship issues can also kill desire; honest, nonjudgmental conversations about expectations and intimacy often help more than you expect.

Get tested when needed. STIs, hormonal problems (thyroid or low testosterone), and some chronic illnesses affect libido. Simple blood tests or an STI screen can reveal treatable causes, and treating them usually improves sex drive.

When buying meds online, use licensed pharmacies and keep prescriptions. Avoid unknown sellers that promise miracle cures. If you’re thinking about drugs specifically for libido, discuss risks and realistic benefits with a clinician first.

If low desire is affecting your life, make an appointment. A good starting point is your primary care doctor or a sexual health specialist. Bring a list of current meds, a brief health history, and a clear goal—more desire, better orgasms, or improved intimacy—and work from there. Small, targeted changes often make the biggest difference.

Angus MacAlister 6 May 2023
Real Stories from Women Who Have Tried Flibanserin

I recently came across some real stories from women who have tried Flibanserin, a medication designed to treat low sexual desire in women. These brave women shared their experiences with the drug, both positive and negative. Some mentioned an increase in libido and overall improvement in their relationships, while others experienced side effects like dizziness and fatigue. Personally, I found it inspiring to hear about their journeys and how they navigated the challenges of low sexual desire. It's important for women to know that they're not alone and that solutions like Flibanserin are available to help them.