Why Does Ptsd Lower One's Libido

[madmax]

Albatross,

Just finished reviewing side effects of all my medicine and you maybe 100% correct: I take 40mg of Citalopram major side effect is sexual dysfunction and difficulty becoming aroused (I can raise the flagpole) have decreased sexual interest, insomnia, dizziness anxiety and hallucinations.

Ziprasidone causes dizziness feeling light headed agitation, hostility, confusion..........this medicine was given to me to help stop hallucinations ptsd typical stuff.

I am floored.............:depressed:

 

[The Albatross]

Side effects are a small percentage. You can decide with your prescribing physician whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks or if you may be in fact, experiencing any of them.

Stopping hallucinations is a pretty deal. I would give it a bigger priority than libido perhaps until I can get to a place where I am supported enough to no longer experience them.

Please do not elect to discontinue the medicine without consulting your doctor. It can though ease your mind to think that low libido is a medication side effect, and not impotence.

I was temporarily on hormone replacement therapy and a doctor prescribed me a small amount of testosterone, but it did not interact well with me. (yes, even though I was a woman) It made me aggressive so I couldn't tolerate it, though I was more inclined to initiate intimacy come to think of it. There may be something to try for lower libido, it just didn't work for me.

 

[Springer80]

Hi Madmax,

You sound as if your relationship is strong and you have negotiated some pretty sensitive problems with your wife before.

You are not your PTSD, your beahviour/actions/physical capacity is not who you are. You are the person who helped your wife through her problems. Speaking as a woman I don't think any wife/spouse could wish for anything more and in fact that trust to tackle something together is most probably the thing which alleivated your wifes issue.

Oh by the way PTSD has made me the weakest link.

I can just say I am heavily invested in my relationship. A team is only as strong as it's weakest link....

So, I read a few articles about "vaginismus" ...My wife at one time had the same problem.... What I believe we did: went to a friend that does deep muscle massages and believe me when I say it is not a walk in the park. Both of us got massages that day. We went home and for some reason she was relaxed in that area.

For some reason???? Trust, honesty, reassurance?

It kinda felt weird being so candid with a man and all, but I appreciate your validation and understanding. Not a whole lot of men would go to read articles on a female sexual dysfunction. I don't even think my own husband has done that.

 

[Springer80]

You Know what I reckon if you just had this conversation your having on this thread with your wife you'd be on the right track. After-all, it must have been difficult for her to go out on such an emotional limb about her problem and you obviously responded well and supportively and lovingly to her. If she know's/knew this was bugging you and causing you anguish on top of you struggling with ptsd then if I was her I'd feel upset if I didn't have the chance to help you in return and make someone she obviously cares about feel better and secure like you did for her.

Even if it doesn't make the problem go away, it would make you feel better and bring you both closer and that's more important surely? It is for most women, I think.

 

[madmax]

I feel ill..........I have never uttered those words before

 

[Pencil]

Oh, Max.

 

[madmax]

I know deleting won't make it go away...I just could not stand seeing it.

 

[Springer80]

Hi Max,

I'm so sorry for your heartache. I have no idea how that must feel for you and your wife individually or how a couple would begin to deal with it together. I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to say about something so sad. Maybe you being able to write it down even for however briefly isn't a bad thing. No wonder you feel ill.

My genuine condolences to you and you wife.
Anna.

 

[madmax]

Thank You Anna...I BELIEVE you maybe correct.

Marc

 

[Springer80]

You know maybe getting away for a little bit might not be such a bad thing? I don't know what part of the world your in but it's getting towards Spring so maybe camping somewhere for a few days? I always liked camping, it's slow paced and the night sky is nice, puts things in perspective and it's an opportunity to build a fire. Plus there's few distractions in the countryside, unless you count curious cattle?

 

[madmax]

My wife would love that for sure. Nice idea. East coast US

 

[rightkindofme]

I'd like to best the dysfunction without going there if at all possible. I check periodically for substantiated/credible sexual dysfunction therapists in my area... so far nothing.

I wasn't trying to recommend it as an option. :) I'm trying to figure out how to function "normally" without resorting to "tricks". But it's kind of interesting to put the pieces together on why things work the way they do.