Orgasm Dysfunction Caused by Vibrator Use and SSRI Prescription

She’s used a vibrator for years and now has sensations of pain and numbness in her clitoris and vagina. She also takes an SSRI that interferes with her ability to reach orgasm, and even stimulation from her partner doesn't bring satisfaction.

Case #: 587

Concern：

I have been using a vibrator for 4 to 5 years and have recently stopped. I have also recently stopped taking an SSRI. I am still unable to have an orgasm with my partner stimulating me. It just feels very numb and takes forever. I am experiencing tingling pains in my clitoris now. I don’t know what it could be, but I know that I want to get rid of this.

Discussion：

The French describe the female orgasm as a single moment of death and rebirth, an instance when a woman leaves behind her old life and starts another. This description hints at the power of reaching climax, not just because of the pleasure it brings but also the emotional well-being it promotes. Unfortunately, seeking that pleasure over and over with a sex toy can lead to such unpleasant side effects as vaginal numbness. On top of that, you’re also taking an SSRI, known to interfere with genital sensitivity and desire. Both factors are therefore responsible for your sexual frustration.

Medications and Orgasm Dysfunction

Orgasm dysfunction is the inability to climax during masturbation and/or sex. It affects women more than men and often comes as a result of using certain medications. The link between sexual side effects and antidepressants was first documented in the 1960s, and the problem increased in the late 1980s when new antidepressants hit pharmaceutical shelves. It has since grown even more prevalent with prescriptions for SSRIs.

Each person goes through four stages during sexual response. The first is desire, followed by arousal, orgasm and resolution. But SSRIs interrupt this cycle by changing serotonin activity in the body. Serotonin, believed to play a key role in arousal, is delicately balanced in both the genitalia and central nervous system of females. A woman taking an SSRI prescription is therefore likely to have trouble reaching orgasm because her natural serotonin levels are disrupted. Serotonin’s presence in the female genital tract suggests it also helps to contract muscles and stimulate nerves. Without the correct balance of this chemical, you won’t enjoy sex.

Insensitivity Caused by Vibrator Damage

The tingling, pain and numbness in your vagina and clitoris are owed to over stimulation with your vibrator. It seems counterintuitive that the toy you use for pleasure could harm your sex life, but it is nonetheless true. When applied directly to your clitoris, a vibrator can bring waves of bliss. However, repeatedly doing this can desensitize clitoral nerves and keep you from reaching orgasm.

You should also consider sexual responses tend to change with time, meaning the technique that brings you pleasure can also change. It is therefore possible that stimulation from your partner isn’t enough to bring you to orgasm, even if at one time it was. This is not an indication that you have a problem, but that you need to be touched or stroked in another way. You and your partner should openly discuss your needs so time in the bedroom is once more enjoyable.

Reclaiming Your Pleasure

Because your SSRI is interfering with your relationship and sex life, you should speak to your doctor about stopping or altering the dosage. Once you have managed your prescription, you need to restore sensitivity to your clitoris and vagina; this is the only way you will again reach climax.

You can do this with a natural remedy (see more: Natural Renewal Remedy For Vaginal & Clitoral Desensitization) that improves genital nerve receptors, increases blood flow to the genitals and also promotes the body’s natural release of sex hormones. Herbs like Grape Seed and Evening Primrose Oil have shown to achieve all of these goals, which will in turn leave you feeling more confident in bed. With time and the aid of a formulated blend of herbs, you can also expect to feel heightened sexual desire and more explosive orgasms.