Hypoactive Sexual Desire and Other Sexual Dysfunctions Caused by Side Effects of Medicines Used to Treat Various Somatic Diseases and for Contraception

Abstract

Hypoactive sexual desire is very often, especially in women. The article presents data on the negative impact of drugs used to treat various disorders of somatic modality, which can lead to a decrease in sexual desire and other sexual dysfunctions. Thus, it is reported about the possible influence of antihypertensive drugs belonging to various groups (non-selective blockers, sympatholytics, central alpha-blockers, drugs that affect adrenergic innervation, diuretics). It is noted that the antihyperlipidemic drug bezafibrate, drugs used to treat adenoma and prostate cancer, can have a negative impact on sexual function. Cimetidine, used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, as well as finasteride, used both to reduce the size of the prostate gland and for baldness, have a negative effect on sexual functions. The antifungal agent ketoconazole has an adverse effect on sexual function. Negative effects on libido and other sexual functions may be due to the use of drugs for the treatment of glaucoma (β-adrenergic antagonists and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors). Negative effects on sexual functions, including severe suppression of libido, may result from antiretroviral therapy in AIDS patients (protease inhibitors). Data are also provided on the negative impact on sexual functions of cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiotherapy in malignant neoplasms. In addition, the issue of the negative impact of hormonal contraception in women, which can lead to a decrease or absence of sexual desire, is discussed.