Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder, more specifically, an anxiety disorder. OCD is manifested in a variety of forms, but is most commonly characterized by a subject's obsessive (repetitive, distressing, intrusive) thoughts and related compulsions (tasks or rituals) which attempt to neutralize the obsessions.

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OCD and sex drive

bethmach
bethmach
I have had OCD since childhood, but since my symptoms worsened significantly in my late 20's I have experienced a diminished sex drive. My doctor has tried me on different SSRI's and they all seem to have this effect. I am not willing to go off medication because I know that would be a disaster. My husband recommends that I do, saying I should try meditation or exercise instead to manage my OCD symptoms. He just doesn't get that these things are not enough. Has anyone else experienced this and if so any recommendations?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Well, sometimes my drive is affected by the OCD itself and being afraid of an intrusive thought during sex. I notice that Lexapro does lower my sex drive and I explained this to my husband, he knows that no medication is not an option. I tried to tell him that my drive is lower and explain that even though I am interested sometimes I don't have the "get up and go" on my medications and he may need to let me know if he is interested, things like that.
I would keep trying to explain that being off you medication would decrease your quality of life a lot more than just a lowered sex drive.
pinkprincesssa
pinkprincesssa
I experience the same thing. It does lessen sex drive, especially, as anxsgrl mentioned, when an intrusive thought comes in, about sex, during sex or simply if you are just having a bad day. This probaly works both ways, cos if I'm having a bad day, I tend to be moody, so my boyfriend won't want to sleep with a moody girl!!

I think exercise on a regular basis, over a period of time certainly helps. I started going to the gym again in the summer this year, 3 times a week, within 2 months, I was so much happier and felt better about myself than before. You are right, these things are not enough, but it does help a little.

The only thing I can think to suggest is- that maybe you can try something simple, like kissing- just plain kissing, on bed for ages... Once you passionately kiss for a while, sometimes I find that I relax and get into it and sex drive uppens from then on.

Sorry I can't be more help, good luck to you with this though, I know what it's like x