Long use of pain killers, antidepressants reduce sexual drive, sperm count- Expert

A medical practitioner at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi , Abuja, Dr Arikawe Adeolu, on Tuesday, said that long use of analgesics and antidepressant drugs could cause sexual dysfunction and low sperm count.

Adeolu said that the class of analgesics that could cause this condition was the narcotic analgesic, an example of which is morphine.

The medical expert said morphine affects the hormonal balance of the body and cause an increase in production of prolactin, adding that increased prolactin in the body can lead to infertility in both men and women.

Prolactin is a hormone released by the pituitary gland in the brain. its primary role is to help initiate and maintain breast milk production in pregnant and nursing women.

He said that because prolactin could be induced by the use of this drug, “men who used it would experience low sperm count while women would experience menstrual irregularities”.

According to him, both sexes will experience decreased libido as prolactin blocks the other hormones responsible for reproduction.

“A class of anti-hypertensive drugs can also cause sexual dysfunction. These drugs are centrally acting antihypertensive medication, one of which is methyldopa, commonly known as Aldomet.

“For antidepressants, they affect a particular neurotransmitter which is called by serotonin. Serotonin is very important in the control of sexual behaviour.

“Once the neurotransmitter level is affected, there is a risk of sexual dysfunction which leads to a reduction in sexual drive, inability to have an erection and ejaculation in men.

“For women it can cause a decrease in libido that is the sexual drive, delayed orgasm and wetness of the vagina,” Adeolu said.

He said that other commonly used medications that could cause sexual dysfunction included: antihistamines, ketoconazole an antifungal, anti-seizure drugs and alcohol.

Adeolu said that the risk of sexual dysfunction was only significant with long-term use of these medications or overdose.

He said the sexual dysfunction caused by the use of these drugs was not permanent, adding that cessation of use of the drugs could reverse the condition.