COLD AND ALLERGY PILLS
PROBLEM: Pills containing antihistamines can reduce vaginal lubrication. That's because the active ingredients that dry up your sinuses dry up all the body's mucous membranes. Hear that? All of them. This slows your response to stimulation, says Dr. Michael Krychman, director of sexual medicine at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, CA.
SOLUTION: Dryness is a drag, but a runny nose isn't sexy either. If you need the pills, lower the dose of the brand you already take or change the time of day you take 'em. Or just use lube. Lots.
ANTIANXIETY MEDS
PROBLEM: Antianxiety drugs can make it more difficult to get aroused or to orgasm. "They work by depressing your central nervous system, which makes your body less sexually responsive," says Emily Harrell, a psychotherapist at the Berman Center in Chicago, which treats sexual dysfunction.
SOLUTION: Talk to your doctor about adjusting your medication schedule so that you're not taking your meds in the hours before you have sex.
BIRTH-CONTROL PILLS
PROBLEM: Most experts agree that the Pill can sap your sex drive. Conspiracy? No. Just unfortunate science. "Oral contraceptives increase production of a protein that can reduce the amount of testosterone in the blood and may lead to lower libido in some women," says Dr. Krychman.
SOLUTION: Ask your OB/GYN about another Pill. Or consider using an IUD or the NuvaRing, a flexible ring that you insert into your vagina once a month. It emits the hormones estrogen and progestin, just like the Pill, but in lower doses. Otherwise, exercise. It helps boost libido.
ANTIDEPRESSANTS
PROBLEM: The category of antidepressants known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) can lower sex drive, slow sexual response, and make orgasm impossible for some women, says Harrell. As if being down in the dumps in the first place weren't depressing enough.
SOLUTION: Talk to your doc about drugs less likely to lower libido. "Or, with your doctor's supervision, try an antidepressant 'holiday' for a weekend," says Harrell. "Some women find that stopping briefly allows them to have great sex for a few days without any psychological effects."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
I Work Out 5 Days a Week—These Are the Brands I Wear on Repeat
Sponsor Content Created With Nordstrom
By Emma Walsh Published
-
Princess Kate Will Be "Ready to Talk" About Her Absence When She Gets Back to Work, Source Claims
The Palace has released very few details about her illness and recovery.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate Was Allegedly Spotted Looking "Happy, Relaxed and Healthy" at a Farm Shop This Weekend
Anonymous onlookers provided this description to 'The Sun.'
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
The 22 Best Vibrators, According to Sex Toy Experts
The best options, for every preference and price range.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
The Best Period Sex Tips, According to Sex Experts
Who says messy can't be sexy?
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
The 20 Best Sex Games for Couples in 2023
Who said game nights need to be wholesome?
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
The 14 Best Lubes for Every Need
Good sex should always go smoothly.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
COVID Forced My Polyamorous Marriage to Become Monogamous
For Melanie LaForce, pandemic-induced social distancing guidelines meant she could no longer see men outside of her marriage. But monogamy didn't just change her relationship with her husband—it changed her relationship with herself.
By Melanie LaForce Published
-
100 Sex Songs That Won't Make You Cringe
Dim the lights and hit play on this sex songs — the perfect playlist of songs to have sex to.
By The Editors Published
-
75 Real Sex Scenes in Movies
These actors aren't faking anything.
By Mehera Bonner Last updated
-
33 Unexpected Valentine's Day 2023 Date Ideas
A.k.a. not dinner and roses.
By The Editors Published