It's a given that most medications cause unpleasant side effects. But few of us suspect that a drug our doctor prescribes can kill our sex drives. This guide shows you which drugs can make you lose your libido-and what you can do to bring it back to life.

• Birth control pills. A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine revealed that estrogen in oral contraceptives increases production of sex hormone-binding globulin, or SHBG, a protein that binds to testosterone. When this occurs your body produces less testosterone and prevents it from reaching the tissues, which can lower your sex drive. The study also suggested that the effects can continue even after you stop taking birth control pills.

• Antidepressants. The most common drugs used to treat depression, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, can wreak havoc with your sex life. They decrease your sex drive, prevent you from reaching orgasm, and reduce sensation in your vagina. These drugs alter chemicals in your brain, including revving up the production of serotonin, a hormone that inhibits sexual function.

• Hypertension medications. High blood pressure itself can lower your sex drive. But, according to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, several drugs prescribed to treat the condition can make the situation worse, for instance, causing vaginal dryness and discomfort. These drugs include antihypertensives such as clonidine or Catapres®, and methyldopa or Aldomet®. Also, ACE inhibitors and diuretics can cause erectile dysfunction in men.

• Cancer drugs. These medications reduce sex drives in both women and men. They increase fatigue and disrupt hormone production. Some chemotherapy drugs can also cause early menopause in women, which also taxes your sex drive.

How to Keep Your Sex Drive Alive

• Seek alternative medications. When your doctor first prescribes a drug, ask if it will affect your libido. If it will disrupt your sex drive, learn about other options. For instance, cancer treatments such as biological therapies and bisphosphonates are less likely to kill your sex drive. The same goes for two antidepressants - Wellbutrin® (bupropion), and the transdermal patch, Emsam® (selegiline).

• Take a lower dose. Ask your doctor if it's possible to reduce the dosage of your medication, especially if your condition is well under control. Never lower your dosage without your doctor's advice.

• Try natural remedies. Some illnesses and conditions respond well to natural treatments, especially in the early stages. Many people effectively fight type 2 diabetes by changing their diet and exercising. Or, you may be able to lower your blood pressure naturally by losing weight, following the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, meditation, and a regular exercise program.

• Ask about sex drugs or herbs. Research suggests that Viagra can revive the sex drive of women taking antidepressants. Find out from your doctor if this is an option for you. You should also discuss how other aphrodisiac herbs such as ginseng, damiana or maca can help you if a prescription drug is reducing your sex drive. If your doctor is not familiar with aphrodisiac herbs, you may need to consult a physician who also specializes in naturopathy.

• Try sex-enhancing exercises. Some exercises such as Kegels (which strengthen and tighten the muscles that support the pelvic floor and surround your genitalia) and yoga can stimulate your libido and heighten sexual satisfaction. Try to do these exercises for at least 15 minutes each day.

Sources:

Journal: Journal of Sexual Medicine, Vol. 3 Issue 1, pp 104 -113

Study Date: 2006

Study Name: Impact of Oral Contraceptives on Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin and Androgen Levels: A Retrospective Study in Women with Sexual Dysfunction

Website: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118592903/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0

Author(s): Claudia Panzer, MD; Sarah Wise, MS; Gemma Fantini, MD; Dongwoo Kang, MD; , Ricardo Munarriz, MD; Andre Guay, MD, FACP, FACE; and Irwin Goldstein, MD