Exercising, especially right before sexual activity, seems to help women with sexual side effects caused by antidepressants, American scientists report.
Past research has shown that 96% of women taking antidepressants experience sexual problems, such as low desire and trouble with orgasm. While such issues can interfere with relationships and quality of life, they can also lead women to stop taking the medicine.
It’s possible that the connection between antidepressants and sexual function involves the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Activity in the SNS helps women become aroused. But antidepressants can suppress this activity.
Fifty-two women with a mean age of 32 years participated in the study. All of the women were taking antidepressants. Thirty-eight women were diagnosed with a clinical sexual dysfunction.
The women were taught a 30-minute routine that included cardio exercise and strength training with resistance bands. After a three week practice period, the women were divided into two groups.
One group was instructed to do the exercise routine and then either have sex with a partner or masturbate within thirty minutes of finishing. The second group was asked to do the same exercise routine, but wait at least six hours before sexual activity.
Each group followed their assigned pattern three times a week for three weeks. At the end of this period, they switched to the other pattern.
At the end of the study, many women found that their levels of desire had improved. The women who had been diagnosed with sexual dysfunction had overall improvements, especially in desire. There was a “modest” benefit to exercising immediately before having sex.
For best results, the researchers recommended scheduling exercise right before sex. However, exercise in general can also help with sexual function, they said.
Scheduling regular sex appeared to help all the women with orgasms. This result may be unrelated to exercise.
“The findings from the present study suggest engaging in sex may be sufficient to reduce antidepressant-related orgasm problems,” the authors wrote.
“It may be that committing to regular sexual activity breaks a pattern of avoidance established earlier in the antidepressant regimen, when side effects were more severe,” they added.
The study was published online in November in the journal Depression and Anxiety.
Resources
Depression and Anxiety
Lorenz, Tierney Ahrold, PhD and Cindy May Meston PhD
“Exercise Improves Sexual Function in Women Taking Antidepressants: Results from a Randomized Crossover Trial”
(Full-text. First published online: November 1, 2013)
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
