[Female sexual dysfunction as adverse effect of pharmacological treatment]

Abstract

This review describes female sexual dysfunction (FSD) as an adverse effect to pharmacological treatment. FSD covers libido, arousal, orgasm, and pain problems. The existing knowledge of the influence of medication upon female sexual function is very sparse. Treatment with SSRIs and other antidepressants may cause decreased libido and organism problems. Antipsychotic treatment often causes libido, lubrication, and orgasm problems. Spironolactone may cause decreased libido and impaired lubrication. Whether antihypertensives, H2-receptor antagonists and sex hormones have sexual adverse effects has not been clarified properly. Some drugs, such as bupropion and sildenafil, may enhance the sexual function, but further studies have to be carried out. The need for further research on the topic is stressed.