Some medicines depress the desire for sexual activity (libido), some, though, actually increase this desire. This is of human organism's design to achieve propagation of the species. The hormonal system causes us to secrete pheramones that appeal to the opposite sex, and stimulate sexual enjoyment especially during the time of the month during that a female may become pregnant. Not sure that this is natural? Watch what happens to dogs in the neighborhood when a female goes into "heat." Hormone supplementation in the human female can mimic this effect whether used for birth control or to prevent the symptoms of "the change." How does this affect you? The prescription of hormones for women to promote bone density, or suppress the symptoms of menopause can alter things either when drugs are started, or when stopped.
Medications utilized for depression can also stimulate or suppress longing for sexual release. Unfortunately there has been experimentation by "designer drug" manufacturers (read illicit here) to provide drugs that either stimulate sexual desires, or lower inhibitions. These have invaded places where the young and indiscriminate gather. They range from date rape drugs to those that are smoked, snorted, swallowed or injected to alter consciousness and decrease inhibition. These drugs have cardiovascular (as well as other) consequences, and I have seen death result from their use.
Many medications that we prescribe can affect sexual performance. Often these medications can be taken for a prolonged period of time and the patient is not aware of the issue and has accepted disability. (An aside here: disability is defined as the loss of an ability that was previously present, this apparently is the reason that drugs such as Viagra are covered by health care insurers and birth control pills for women aren't, because one is used for the treatment of a disability, the other isn't). I have received calls from elderly spouses complaining of the return of too much sexual function and desire when certain medications were discontinued.
If you note difficulties with sexual function, discuss these with your doctor. In almost all instances, your medication regimen can be altered to your benefit.
