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 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")