Hello, I really need your help. For about a year now I've been on several antidepressants that have completely erased any sexuality in my life. I am unable to feel pleasure or be turned on and all the things I used to enjoy have disappeared. No masturbation at all and even fantasies don't help. It's completely frustrating and has indirectly led to the termination of an important relationship. I am unable to feel any closeness anymore and no matter how much I try.. even with myself, I feel nothing and I am unable to ejaculate (I am a woman). I need help. It started with Zoloft, then I moved to Lexapro, and now I'm on Celexa and another antidepressant enhancer to make me sleep. How do I get my libido back? I can't cut down my pills (I tried) because then I become depressed. At least while I'm depressed I was able to have a sexual relationship with others and myself but now It's nothing and it's causing new problems. Thanks in advance!

You need to discuss this with your doctor. There are options out there that can help increase the libido, but they are strictly prescribed by your doctor.

Hello,

I've been trying for a few years to have sex A LOT (yes I am ready) but could never do it because I have insane amounts of severe pain down there. It's not an infection it's been like this for years. I tried everything from fingering to vibrators to lube, relaxing massages, going slowly, taking advil before or having a few sips of alcohol before to relax me to lexapro which my gyno prescribed and never helped. I am unable to go back since I don't have health insurance but she always says the same thing every time. It is so frustrating and has indirectly caused my boyfriend and I to break up after a few happy years. By the way I am in my 20s. I really want it and loved everything related to it until a few months ago lexapro (which ended up becoming my antidepressant and I actually need for depression) has come into my life and eliminated my libido. That happened later... so what should I do? It's frustrating and saddening and every time I tried I end up in tears. It's really an unbelievable pain that my doctor said was the top of the pain scale. She can't even touch me to perform tests. Please help me. I need help so badly. Thanks!

What kind of pain is it? Is it stabbing pain, throbbing pain, burning pain? Does it feel topical, is it at the entrance of your vagina or deeper? Does it ever hurt when there's no contact?

I would highly recommend getting a second opinion from another doctor.

It's not burning... I've had those here and there so I am able to tell that it's an infection that goes away or has something to do with something else. It's both in the beginning and deeper but especially deeper. It doesn't hurt when I'm not contacted but lets just say that even with the tip of a penis inside it feels so deep and painful. I just can't deal with it anymore and I'm currently without health insurance so I wanted to see what others had to see before I spend money I don't have... (I have so many health questions that require different specialists and I don't have the money so hopefully people can help... ) thanks for responding!

Anytime you have pain in your vaginal area, you NEED to see a doctor. There is no way anyone can diagnose you over the internet.

While I am not certain it is the same, one of my previous girl-friends had something similar to what you're experiencing. Vulvar vestibulitis, which is a kind of Dyspareunia. Google is your friend here.

Unfortunately you can't really self-treat this. The problem was kind of solved through physiotherapy. Which requires a doctor's visit and referral.

Wish the news was happier and simpler.

This most certainly requires a medical professional.

What anyone else has to say is moot.

I had a similar problem that took 5 different doctors and dozens of visits before they found the problem.
I still had a hymen. As far as we can guess it was extremely stretchy which is why I had no problem having sex, but at some point I developed an infection which left scar tissue on it causing it to harden and no longer stretch. I still don't know how 4 doctors couldn't have noticed it when the 5th one just looked and went "hmmm, that's the problem right there".

I went in for day surgery, they knocked me out for 20 minutes and all was well.
I still have a long way to go but I have noticed an improvement.

Along with that I have also developed what Craven described: Dyspareunia which to be improved requires physio, for me it is a case of gradually stretching the area day by day.

Definitely keep searching for answers from doctors, it took me a long time to find an answer but I'm glad I never gave up!

I really sympathise with you because my partner is also on some anti-anxiety medication which caused her to lose her sex drive, so I know how you feel.

It can be really frustrating I know, but there are solutions. You can try herbal 'viagra' as it were, which is like a sexual stimulant which can be taken by women and men and it shouldn't interfere with your current medication. You should consult your doctor first though, and it would also be worthwhile telling them about your problems because there are other tablets they could prescribe you to help the problem.

Good luck and I hope you get it back soon!