|
The Treatment of Sexual Dysfunctions
- Diagnosis |
|
Physical Examination - Standard physical
examination |
|
Table: Drugs and their effect on the
sexual response
|
|
Medication
or Drug
|
Effect on
Sexual
Response
|
Hormones
(testosterone,
estrogen,
progesterone) |
May be
helpful in
restoring
proper
hormonal
balance. May
impair
sexual
functioning
if hormones
predominant
in one sex
are
administered
to the other
sex. (On the
other hand,
there is
some limited
evidence
that
testosterone
is useful
for some
women.) |
Sedatives
(alcohol,
barbiturates) |
Chronic use
can lead to
loss of
sexual
interest and
ability to
perform |
|
Non-barbiturate
sedatives |
Lead to loss
of sexual
interest and
ability to
perform |
Stimulants
(amphetamines,
cocaine) |
Initial use
of small
doses can
enhance
sexual
performance.
Chronic use
leads to
loss of
sexual
interest and
ability to
perform |
|
Heroin |
Long-term
use reduces
sexual
motivation
and capacity |
|
Marijuana |
Depresses
testosterone
levels in
men. Chronic
use may lead
to loss of
sexual
interest and
to breast
enlargement
in men
(gynecomastia) |
|
Antidepressants |
May bring
some
improvement
in sexual
motivation
as
depression
lifts |
|
Anti-anxiety
drugs |
May help in
small doses,
but will
impair
sexual
functioning
in high
doses |
|
Anti-ulcer
medication |
May somewhat
impair
sexual
functioning |
|
Anti-allergy
medication
(antihistamines) |
May cause
fatigue and
lower sexual
interest.
Chronic use
can lead to
impairment
of sexual
response |
Anti-hypertension
(lowering
blood
pressure) |
May lower
sexual
interest and
ability to
perform |
|
Antibiotics |
usually no
effect on
sexual
interest or
performance
|
Nicotine
(tobacco) |
Chronic use
can lead to
problems of
tumescence
(erection
problems) |
Erection
aids
(potency
pills) |
Can be
helpful with
problems of
tumescence
(erection),
but may have
unwanted
side-effects
in some
individuals.
Should not
be used
without
prior
physical
examination. |
|
Antiandrogens |
Reduce
sexual
interest and
capacity
("chemical
castration") |
|
|
