Sex And Ptsd

[intothelight]

I started this thread due to a comment made about a benefit of discontinuing meds and the return of desire. I did a search and couldn't find an old thread so I started a new one.

PTSD affects so many areas of our lives and I cannot be the only person who finds it also affects this area of my life. Loss of desire has been a side effect of almost every Anti-D I have taken. When I mentioned this to my P, it was brushed aside like it wasn't really important. Well it is important and chemical neutering shouldn't be taken so lightly.

What about intrusive thoughts? What about triggers?

Sometimes I get the idea this topic is some type of taboo, or else I am some type of freak and no one else is affected by PTSD in this area of their lives. So here it goes.

 

[anni]

No, you're not a freak of COURSE. I actually know someone who isn't a nice person anyway, who sort of fanices himself a ladie's man ( and he's married! ) who should be on these meds but refuses because they effect his, er, prowess.I actually wish they would so he'd stay home with his wife, who is a nice little thing.

Yes, it's a very personal subject but you brought it up so deserve others to follow suit. I HATE this aspect of Zoloft, which manifests at even a really low dose. I'm so sorry your P brushed it off, since gosh-how important! Mine did not, and commiserated with me, actually-what a relief! Sometimes that's all I need, even if it does not solve the problem. he also did point out that in moments of PTSD induced stress ( or vice versa ) one is not feeling very good about themselves anyway, which doesn't help matters whatsoever. Good point! I have to say I hope this isn't frustating for you, since you do probably know I get to go off my meds periodially and you're in a position where it's not possible at the moment.

It IS a good thing to bring up, and so important since an awful lot of self image is tied up in how we feel about ourselves as women across the board, I think. So thank you. :)

 

[Nighthawk]

Well one of the main reasons I chose to get of my meds was to get my sex drive back. I am glad you started the post. The loss of my sex drive was completely gone before the SSRI was even in full affect. I am not sure stopping the meds was the best choice for me yet, but having the drive back was totally worth it. Wow feeling a bit insecure talking about this not sure why? Also how many times in one post can I say sex?:confused:

 

[Jawn]

My wife has been on anti-D's for so long that I have forgotten what it's like to have sex in a relationship. :(

 

[Nighthawk]

Jawn,
Your chimp says it all.

NH

 

[Jawn]

Are you saying hairy ugly guys lose out? ;)

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

HAHA! :D

I think my husband would agree with you ( about sex) sometimes. I know it frustrates him, even more because he as a hard time understanding why. For me its hard to talk about. With my T or my husband. Because its sooo annoying to not have anything (so to speak) and then be sooo disgusted with it sometimes.
You are right, it should not be taken lightly...at the same time ( at least for me) it HAS to be taken lightly. Or I get to much anxiety. My T, husband and me have a way of dealing with it...I start it. That way I'm not stressed over what my husband might do...its all in my control.
I know when I was taking Anit-d's it was like "sex? what is that?" I felt nothing.

If you are thinking of going off the meds, and worried about what sex will be like then ( triggers etc.)...try bring in control. It takes some practice ( yes, that kind too). but it helped me a lot. And having a healthy sex life really helps you feel happier and have a better outlook.

 

[intothelight]

Ayesha, I agree that a healthy sex life does make you happier and improves your outlook. It is also a part of our lives that we were meant to enjoy. It shouldn't be anything that we cannot talk to our T, P, or partner about.

The problem with quitting the Anti-D's sometimes is the depression not only destroys desire, but it basically destroys interest in anything. There has to be a balance somewhere, and why do pharmaceutical manufacturers and health care providers that prescribe these drugs, think this is an acceptable side effect?

 

[Deleted member 6617]

Sex....what's sex? Been so long even before I left my ex I can't remember. Something vaguely familiar and feel good lost in my mind and body. Both of us were on anti-D. Me Zoloft and him Prozac. Sigh.....

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Have to agree intothelight. It should not be a acceptable side effect. Doesn't help much to trade one problem for another. T told me last session, something like...you will always have issues, you are just always trading them. I told him thanks....

But...I'm not on Anit-d's now, just panic meds and mood stabilizers now. so....:D

 

[Iam]

The problem with quitting the Anti-D's sometimes is the depression not only destroys desire, but it basically destroys interest in anything.

I found that to be true ITL. Depression destroys my desire.

I am so totally back asswards. When I first went on anti D's 9 yrs ago I was worried about losing my drive. It had the opposite effect on me, I couldn't get enough. My poor husband was worn out! My T said it was because the MDD was lifting. I am back on anti D's again, wellbutrin this time. It's is supposed to have the least effect on sexual desire and am not noticing a decline as yet, well I mean, it's not out of control like before, but it is still good.

 

[intothelight]

Hi Iam,

I am not letting my husband in on this thread! He would definitely want me to find out what Anti-D you were on. LOL

Interesting how the side effects can be opposite ends of the spectrum.