Can pain meds be the ONLY reason for lack of sex drive at 40?

Hi @seanbeck. Thanks for your openness and willingness to share. I did a little digging on this and it sounds like the two could be hand in hand. Though opioids aren’t known to directly cause lower libido, they can reduce testosterone levels which can reduce sex drive. It’s amazing how everything is so connected. Have you had any conversations about the low t issue with your doctor since the pellet injection? If not, that sounds like a good next step. Tagging @tonydi, @drdiuana, and @frank51 who have posted about this in the past and may be able to provide some insight and support.

Dear Ali,<br />
Thank you for your reply and helpful information. I will definitely<br />
make an appt, with my PCP.<br />
<br />
-- <br />
Sincerely,<br />
Brandon Becker<br />

Hi Brandon (@seanbeck),

Touchy subject, but very much necessary none the less and I thank you for creating it. I've been managing extreme pain for about 20 years now due to multiple rare conditions.

Recently though, I find my sex drive to be lower than normal. Not feeling the need for it, or wanting it as much as I used to. This is mainly caused by the number of medications I take for pain, stress and poor sleep at night.

I think having a low sex drive is different for each of us men, but for me, it has more to do with decreased blood flow, lack of energy and meds. I've noticed a big change in the last couple of years in my drive also. I mean i'm always up for the occasion, but my mind isn't in the game if that makes sense?

I've taken a couple of different types of opiates in the past, present and future... and I've noticed that the two do go hand in hand. The amount you take and the type have different affect. Also, and I'm sorry to hear about your 13th spinal surgery, that must be stressful for you, but the details surrounding your health in general will have an affect as well. Whenever I have a lot going on with my health, my "social" life drastically decreases because of it.

For me, this is how I typically rate it (without having a physical issue):
Mental State: 20%
Pain: 15%
Medications: 35%
Happiness: 30%

I would speak to your doctor, or do some research on the type of meds you take. Look for signs of: decreased energy, sleep disorder, brain fog, decreased blood flow, decreased responsiveness, etc. Anything that affects your mental state and body together can give you clues to keep/avoid certain opiates.

If I may ask, what opiates specifically do you take? Might be able to help if I've had to take them as well.

I hope this helps!
Martin R. Lemieux

Hi! Well, I'm new here...and late to this topic drawn to your posts because I'm pissed that my insurance started making me do TWO facet tests before the ablations this year. I get them in my neck and shoulders to treat chronic migraine. I find it absurd that we have to continue to do the silly facet "test" at all when the radio frequency ablation is what helps. The facet test lasts 3-4 hours, costs me a $50 co-pay, bogs down the doc, scheduling, trips, rides...UGH!
But...the lack of sex drive! Yeah, that's frustrating! I've recently gone into a remission, so I cut all of my Meds way back. Not just narcs. And once these ablations get done...I'll be able to cut back migraine meds even further. Yet...still...Sex is the farthest thing from my mind. I'm 43, my life is far from over, but sometimes I think it's a psychological issue. "Who would want someone with so many health issues?" When I look at myself in the mirror on my very worst day, I have to remember to be gentle with myself. Love myself at my most voulnerable. I think men are taught to be strong, at all cost; Women, to be beautiful, at all cost.
But...when all the resources are diverted to the line items that read "Health" or "Survival" that doesn't read as a very sexy resume in some circles. You said something in one of your comments about "adjusting your expectations" about your health. Well, I think I do better when I look for my partner in circles where I don't have to hide my condition, or pretend I'm something I'm not. Those circles are small, but I believe my partner is out there somewhere! In the meantime, I won't waste time with frogs!
God I hope this inspires you...i don't even know if you're single. I live worlds away from you, but...I'm pulling for you!

Hi, Brandon @seanbeck

I've never had a strong libido, but the past 2 years, I've had none at all. My wife isn't very happy about it. I take antidepressants, Clonazepam, morphine sulfate contin, and several other meds. I had a spinal cord stimulator implant in May, and was hoping to be able to reduce or eliminate some pain meds. I've cut the morphine in half and Cymbalta I've reduced from 90mg to 30mg. I had weaned off the Cymbalta completely, and it didn't have any effect on my pain, but I started getting more depressed. I take the Cymbalta for neuropathy pain, though it's most often used as an antidepressant. During the two weeks off the Cymbalta, I was beginning to experience erections, but now that I'm taking it again, end of erections and end of libido.

So, I know it's partly a medication issue, but I think there's also a psychological component. I've been talking with the urologist and my pcp, and will talk some more with the neurologist. It could very well be connected with the peripheral neuropathy. So many possibilities!

If you think it might be meds, you could discuss it with your pharmacist.

Jim

My low libido is caused by seizure medication.

Yep, I took Cymbalta for the same reason but stopped it to try to get some libido back but nothing because of the anticonvulsants. I guess there’s no hope.

Cymbalta is definitely the culprit along with any other antidepressants. My testosterone is good but the libido is still not there! Gabapentent seems to also have some negative sexual side affects.