I’m Not Feeling It: How SSRIs Interfere with Sexual Sensation

She was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, and was prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). She now has no sensation in her clitoris or vagina. How can she regain sensation and remain on her treatment?

Case #: 1794

Concern：

I've been diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, which frequently involves hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal dysfunction. I was prescribed SSRIs, and now they have exacerbated my symptoms. I now suffer from a deadened clitoris and vagina. Please help!

Discussion：

As your doctor probably told you when he prescribed this treatment, SSRIs have a history of interfering with sexual function. This is because SSRIs tend not to affect just serotonin, but also norepinephrine and dopamine. These hormones are incredibly important to the sexual process. SSRIs also seem to interfere with Nitric Oxide production, a chemical necessary for clitoral and vaginal sensation.

No More Nor

So, to begin with, your norepinephrine levels have probably been decreased as a side effect of your SSRIs. This is bad, because norepinephrine is what gives you the feeling of excitement during sex, but it also plays a vital role in it’s activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Females require this activation in order to achieve genital arousal. Norepinephrine helps to quickly pump blood to the clitoris, labia, and G-Spot, while also heightening sensation. Without it, you’re left with a numb encounter. But there’s more.

What’s the Point?

SSRI therapy also alters dopaminergic activity. During sex, dopamine creates the sensation of pleasure, and reacts to the flow of information from stimulated sex organs to the brain. Without dopamine figuring in the equation, sex will be dull and without “reward”.

Chemical Healing

But, not only are these neurochemicals wreaking havoc with your proper sexual functioning, but the most important chemical for female sexual response is being denied to you as well. Both men and women need Nitric Oxide in order to achieve erection in the clitoral or penile tissues. That’s why so many men on antidepressants suffer from erectile dysfunction. Well, right now, you’re certainly suffering from clitoral dysfunction!

Nitric Oxide opens the veins and pumps blood into the clitoris, labia, and G-Spot; thanks in part to the participation of norepinephrine and the sympathetic system. This process is mandatory for any sort of sexual sensation. Right now, your clitoris and vagina are dead from a lack of blood flow. If you could simply boost your Nitric Oxide production, you’d be well on your way to a better sex life, notwithstanding the neurochemical issues you’d still face.

Open Wide

I recommend starting out with an herbal treatment. (TRY: Herbal Tincture for Clitoral Sensitivity Revival) You’ll be less likely to have to worry about drug interactions, and to my mind, with all the synthetics going into your body and brain, why not bring it back to some healthy homeopathy?

I’ll bet you didn’t know Ginger boosts circulation to the point where it can noticeably improve your sexual sensation. Achyranthes Root and Dong Quai also increase circulation, making this formula a powerful one for a woman who needs to increase her genital blood flow. Every ingredient in this powerful formula has the ability to increase circulation and tone blood vessels, effectively reinstating your natural erection abilities.

I hope you soon regain your sex life with this treatment!

What to do

Herbal Tincture For Vaginal & Clitoral Insensitivity

When you are engaging in intercourse, you want to FEEL something! You need a release. You want to reach a climax. When your partner fondles you, you want to experience the tickling and the joyous little sensations.