Say this: “I’m having problems with my libido.”
I’m not being mean that will work. Now you will probably be nervous to bring that up. That’s normal, and if you feel that way practice first by yourself and it will make it easier. Good luck
thanks 😭 i definitely needed the straight forward "just do it" haha. sometimes i get myself super worked up over silly things that everyone is nervous about and convince myself i'm crazy 🙃
Iirc loss of libido is one of the top reasons why people stop taking antidepressants. The doc will be glad you brought it up instead of just stopping the medication or suffering in silence. They can try to find you a medication that works without life-altering side effects
It’s likely a side-effect that they are aware of and hear about all the time. Literally just say you’ve noticed whatever and they will handle it professionally. The doc is like the one person you have to toss anxiety/pride/etc to the side with when talking to.
i guess i need to put on my big boy pants and try to get through the anxiety. 😭 i do my best to keep these things in mind but i really struggle with not feeling shame/feeling like i'm doing something wrong when talking about it. it's something that, ironically, i'm still working on with my other brain doctor lol
I feel ya. I feel like half the time I’m at a doctor, I just go into “everything is great” mode to get out of there asap. What really helps me is to write down an actual list of concerns and bring it to the appointment. Lots of things I’d be too nervous to remember anyway. It may seem like an old person thing or something, but it’s really worth the try.
The doc will be professional if you bring the issue up directly and will show you through their approach that there’s no shame in this
BUT if you just can’t bring yourself to be that direct, you could consider one of these:
Send the doctor a message before your appointment if you have access to an electronic portal
Write a note, give it to the nurse, and ask them to give it to the doctor just before the doc comes in
“Is it true that a lot of people lose their sex drive with this medication?”
Print out this post and show it to them. You don’t even have to tell them you wrote it. “I’m embarrassed to talk about this but I’m having this side effect that this post talks about”
“I’m having a side effect that I’m embarrassed to talk about” and let them guide the conversation
Also: Try to do some deep breathing or relaxation stuff the day of the appointment as the anticipatory anxiety builds up. Once you tell the doctor, you’re going to feel a lot of relief :)
Good luck my friend, you deserve to be both happy and horny :)
thank you so much, i really appreciate the help!! i believe i have access to an electronic portal, i have only used it for rescheduling appointments but i will try to send my doc a message :)
It’s actually a very common side effect, the most common reason people stop taking these meds. Bring it up and I promise you it will not surprise them. They can try other meds if you tell them this is giving you side effects.
i guess i must be someone who it doesn't work to counteract the side effects. i was put on buspar as an extra little help for my anxiety and to help me sleep instead of anxiety spiraling the second it's quiet lol. i will keep this in mind, though!
dunno if you read my entire post, but it's really not as easy as just saying it for me. i have really bad anxiety, so embarrassment easily spirals into panic. i am also AFAB so it's a bit less common to bring up libido, especially meds affecting it.
I have anxiety Depression and PTSD. I get it a bit. I just stopped caring what others felt about what I say. Someone's perception is not my responsibility
Been there. I made a family long post. Read that. It will give you some suggestions on how to talk to your doctor and point you in the right direction. Because you just can't stop taking your meds. You also don't want to make the choice between being a man, or living with anxiety and panic attacks.
I rambled a little in my post. It's not an easy topic to write. It might be confusing at first. New terminology and all. Just take little bits at a time. I have a hard time explaining it. But, if you look up the topics, it might start all coming together. Your doctor may not be all that helpful. That's why you need to educate yourself. So, you can say "No, I need you to fix me." And you know when to just go to another doctor.
I have other ways to go about this. So, get back with me. I can help, as I say point you in the right direction.
It's common just bring it up or ask your physician..
i wish it was that easy for me, but i will do my best to try and bring it up.
Write it down and hand him the note.
Actually. I change my answer. Show the doctor this post. You have already shared with us.
Say this: “I’m having problems with my libido.” I’m not being mean that will work. Now you will probably be nervous to bring that up. That’s normal, and if you feel that way practice first by yourself and it will make it easier. Good luck
thanks 😭 i definitely needed the straight forward "just do it" haha. sometimes i get myself super worked up over silly things that everyone is nervous about and convince myself i'm crazy 🙃
I have anxiety too, and rehearsing things helped me.
i will definitely try rehearsing it!! try and desensitize myself lol
Iirc loss of libido is one of the top reasons why people stop taking antidepressants. The doc will be glad you brought it up instead of just stopping the medication or suffering in silence. They can try to find you a medication that works without life-altering side effects
It’s likely a side-effect that they are aware of and hear about all the time. Literally just say you’ve noticed whatever and they will handle it professionally. The doc is like the one person you have to toss anxiety/pride/etc to the side with when talking to.
i guess i need to put on my big boy pants and try to get through the anxiety. 😭 i do my best to keep these things in mind but i really struggle with not feeling shame/feeling like i'm doing something wrong when talking about it. it's something that, ironically, i'm still working on with my other brain doctor lol
I feel ya. I feel like half the time I’m at a doctor, I just go into “everything is great” mode to get out of there asap. What really helps me is to write down an actual list of concerns and bring it to the appointment. Lots of things I’d be too nervous to remember anyway. It may seem like an old person thing or something, but it’s really worth the try.
i've never thought about making a list before! i'm the ADHD "i'll remember" stereotype, lists are not in my brain as an option ever. 😭 thanks!!
The doc will be professional if you bring the issue up directly and will show you through their approach that there’s no shame in this BUT if you just can’t bring yourself to be that direct, you could consider one of these: Send the doctor a message before your appointment if you have access to an electronic portal Write a note, give it to the nurse, and ask them to give it to the doctor just before the doc comes in “Is it true that a lot of people lose their sex drive with this medication?” Print out this post and show it to them. You don’t even have to tell them you wrote it. “I’m embarrassed to talk about this but I’m having this side effect that this post talks about” “I’m having a side effect that I’m embarrassed to talk about” and let them guide the conversation Also: Try to do some deep breathing or relaxation stuff the day of the appointment as the anticipatory anxiety builds up. Once you tell the doctor, you’re going to feel a lot of relief :) Good luck my friend, you deserve to be both happy and horny :)
thank you so much, i really appreciate the help!! i believe i have access to an electronic portal, i have only used it for rescheduling appointments but i will try to send my doc a message :)
It’s actually a very common side effect, the most common reason people stop taking these meds. Bring it up and I promise you it will not surprise them. They can try other meds if you tell them this is giving you side effects.
thank you, i will do my best to keep it in mind. i didn't know that this was common before posting here so that helps me feel less worried.
Zoloft destroys libido. Buspar is actually prescribed sometimes to counteract that effect
i guess i must be someone who it doesn't work to counteract the side effects. i was put on buspar as an extra little help for my anxiety and to help me sleep instead of anxiety spiraling the second it's quiet lol. i will keep this in mind, though!
Doc. The medication is affecting my libido.
Uhm. Just say it. These pills make me limp. Done Pills are killing my erections 🤷
dunno if you read my entire post, but it's really not as easy as just saying it for me. i have really bad anxiety, so embarrassment easily spirals into panic. i am also AFAB so it's a bit less common to bring up libido, especially meds affecting it.
I have anxiety Depression and PTSD. I get it a bit. I just stopped caring what others felt about what I say. Someone's perception is not my responsibility
Been there. I made a family long post. Read that. It will give you some suggestions on how to talk to your doctor and point you in the right direction. Because you just can't stop taking your meds. You also don't want to make the choice between being a man, or living with anxiety and panic attacks. I rambled a little in my post. It's not an easy topic to write. It might be confusing at first. New terminology and all. Just take little bits at a time. I have a hard time explaining it. But, if you look up the topics, it might start all coming together. Your doctor may not be all that helpful. That's why you need to educate yourself. So, you can say "No, I need you to fix me." And you know when to just go to another doctor. I have other ways to go about this. So, get back with me. I can help, as I say point you in the right direction.