Drugs That Cause Hypersexuality and Other Reproductive System Issues

Beyond their therapeutic effects, some drugs may cause other impacts on the body that can be both beneficial and detrimental, depending on individual responses.

Therapy with dopamine agonists and partial agonists prescribed for conditions like Parkinson’s disease, restless leg syndrome, schizophrenia, and mood disorders can lead to the development of drug-induced impulse control disorders (ICDs) such as hypersexuality.

Other reproductive system problems may also be present, causing erectile dysfunction, poor sperm quality, and infertility in women. Since the intersection of drugs and sexuality can exert varied effects on the body, keep reading to learn about sex health risks associated with certain medications.

Table Of Contents:

• Drug-Induced Hypersexuality Overview
• What Drugs Cause Hypersexuality?
• What Drugs Affect Male and Female Sexual Function?
• Medication for Hypersexuality
• Other Drug-Induced Reproductive Health Issues
• Drug Abuse and Fertility
• Drug Abuse in Pregnancy and Effects on the Newborn
• What Drugs Make You Hypersexual? – Final Thoughts
• People Also Ask

Drug-Induced Hypersexuality Overview

Hypersexuality caused by medication is a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in sexual urges, behaviors, and thoughts as a side effect. This hypersexuality can manifest as:

• Excessive masturbation
• Pornography addiction
• Paying for sex
• Cybersex
• Promiscuity
• Sexual risky behaviors

The primary mechanism behind medications that cause hypersexuality involves the modulation of neurotransmitter systems in the brain, particularly dopamine. Dopamine is a crucial neurotransmitter involved in reward and pleasure pathways. Medications that increase dopamine activity can enhance libido and lead to compulsive sexual behaviors.
While many health experts do not classify hypersexuality as an addiction, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes compulsive sexual behavior as a mental health disorder. This provides a scenario where we can observe how drugs affect the brain.

What Drugs Cause Hypersexuality?

Although not widely discussed, hypersexuality can be highly disruptive, negatively affecting various aspects of life, including health, work, and personal relationships. Individuals suffering from hypersexuality experience significant personal distress due to their inability to regulate sexual behavior.

Several drugs, including some classes of prescription medications, can potentiate drug-induced sexual problems or sexual function issues, impacting sexual life in different ways. Here are some of the medications that can cause hypersexuality:

• Antidepressants (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors – SSRIs)
• Dopamine agonists (Pramipexole, Ropinirole, Cabergoline)
• Dopamine partial agonists (Aripiprazole)
• Antipsychotics (Clozapine, Quetiapine, Olanzapine)
• Antihypertensives (Clonidine, Methyldopa)
• Antiandrogens (Cyproterone acetate, spironolactone)
• Alcohol
• Stimulants (Amphetamines, cocaine)
• Hallucinogens (LSD, psilocybin)
• Narcotics (Heroin, morphine, oxycodone)

What Drugs Affect Male and Female Sexual Function?

A surprisingly wide range of substances, both prescription and recreational, can influence patient’s sex lives. Yet, they may do it differently for each gender. Let’s review drug-induced hypersexuality for women and men:

Drugs That Cause Hypersexuality in Females

In addition to the previously mentioned drugs, several other medications may specifically cause hypersexuality in women.

Testosterone levels are significantly correlated with sexual compulsivity scores in hypersexual individuals. Hormonal medications, such as testosterone therapy used to balance hormone levels in specific medical conditions, can potentially increase sexual desire and contribute to hypersexuality in women.

Take into account that some drugs like Flibanserin for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women can potentially increase sexual desire. Despite concerns, the manufacturer states that flibanserin doesn’t cause hypersexuality but instead aims to restore healthy sexual desire levels.

Drugs That Cause Hypersexuality in Males

Men with hypersexual disorder may have higher levels of oxytocin in their blood than men without the disorder, and since oxytocin levels depend on dopamine transporter levels, dopaminergic drugs like Pramipexole may cause hypersexuality in men.

For both genders, recreational drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy (MDMA) are potent stimulants that can lead to increased sexual desire, hypersexuality, and risky sexual behaviors.

Medication for Hypersexuality

Drug-induced hypersexuality, often a side effect of certain medications or substance abuse, can be particularly challenging to manage.

When hypersexuality is triggered by drug use, the primary approach is often to adjust or discontinue the offending medication under the guidance of a healthcare professional. There aren’t precisely hypersexuality medications available, but in some cases, additional medications like Naltrexone may be prescribed to help manage symptoms.

Other Drug-Induced Reproductive Health Issues

Sex health is a complex interplay of hormones, emotions, and physical responses. Some medications may lead to hypersexuality, but others might cause erectile dysfunction in men or low libido in women. Let’s explore how specific drugs can influence sexual function for both sexes:

Male Drug-Induced Sexual Dysfunction

Drugs that alter luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones, as well as prolactin, can negatively affect libido and cause impotence, difficulty or inability to ejaculate, and testicular swelling.

Certain antidepressants, specifically SSRIs, have been associated with decreased sperm motility. A case report indicated a significantly higher mean sperm DNA fragmentation in men under SSRI therapy. Significant changes in erectile function and difficulties with ejaculation while undergoing SSRI may also be present, particularly with paroxetine.

Female Drug-Induced Sexual Dysfunction

Antidepressants can cause problems with sexual desire and arousal in women. Up to 83% of women taking antidepressants report sexual arousal issues, and 72% report problems with sexual desire.

Other common side effects include delayed or blocked orgasm, delayed lubrication, loss of sensation, persistent genital arousal, and discomfort during sex. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common antidepressants that cause sexual dysfunction in women, like Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), and Paxil (paroxetine).

Medications That Affect Fertility

Around 10 to 15% of the sexually active population is affected by infertility problems, with abnormal semen production being the cause of up to half of all infertility cases in developed nations.

This condition, known as male factor infertility (MFI), can be attributed to anatomical and hormonal factors as well as the use of certain pharmaceutical medications. One notable example is chemotherapeutic agents, particularly anti-cancer drugs, which may cause prolonged but reversible infertility.

Additionally, central nervous system (CNS) agents, including drugs of abuse, can inhibit fertility or reproductive function by affecting reproductive hormones. When the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs causes infertility, it is also reversible and treatable.

Among the medications that may cause infertility, we have:

• Antidepressants (Paroxetine, Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Bupropion)
• Calcium channel blockers (Diltiazem, Nifedipine)
• Alpha-adrenergic blockers (Tamsulosin, Alfuzosin)
• Anti-epilepsy (Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Valproate)
• Anti-retroviral (HAART, Saquinavir)
• Narcotics
• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Nicotine

Drug Abuse and Fertility

Drugs of abuse are highly potent neuroactive substances that often disrupt the function of sex accessory glands. While these effects are generally reversible in most individuals, the severity of impact can vary. Normal individuals might only experience subtle changes in sexual function.

However, those with pre-existing reproductive issues may face significant complications. Adolescents, in particular, are at a higher risk for infertility and reproductive damage from drug abuse due to their developing bodies. Let’s review the consequences of some popular drugs:

Drug Abuse and the Female and Male Reproductive System

Drug abuse has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond immediate health and well-being, significantly impacting the reproductive systems of both men and women. The use of illicit drugs, prescription medications, and even certain legal drugs can disrupt normal reproductive functions, leading to fertility issues, hormonal imbalances, and other serious complications.

Marijuana Abuse

Weed can lower testosterone levels and reduce sperm count and motility in men. In women, it can disrupt the menstrual cycle and ovulation, potentially leading to difficulties in conceiving.

Cocaine

Prolonged cocaine use is associated with decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and impaired sperm function in men. In women, it can cause menstrual irregularities and reduce the chances of successful implantation of a fertilized egg.

Opioids

Long-term opioid use can lead to hormonal imbalances that reduce libido and fertility in both men and women. Men may experience decreased testosterone levels, while women might face irregular menstrual cycles and reduced ovulatory function.

Methamphetamine

This drug can cause severe weight loss and malnutrition, which can negatively impact reproductive health. Men might experience reduced sperm production and motility, while women may have disrupted menstrual cycles and difficulties with ovulation.

Drug Abuse in Pregnancy and Effects on the Newborn

The effects of drug use during pregnancy can have severe health consequences for both the mother and the baby.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that up to 5% of pregnant women use at least one addictive substance. When a pregnant woman consumes drugs, these substances can easily pass through the placenta and reach the fetus, potentially leading to long-term effects on the baby’s health.

Drug Use during Pregnancy Effects on Baby

• Higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Cognitive problems
• Behavioral problems
• Poor fetal growth rate
• Birth defects
• Stillbirth
• Withdrawal symptoms after birth
• Congenital anomalies
• Low birth weight
• Gestational age
• Small-for-gestational age

Drug Addicted Baby Long-Term Effects

• Adverse consequences for the growth of their brains
• Cognitive challenges
• Behavioral challenges
• Executive functioning deficits
• Reduced attention skills
• Speech and language issues
• Poorer academic achievement
• Psychosocial consequences in adulthood

What Drugs Make You Hypersexual? – Final Thoughts

Hypersexuality, though less commonly recognized compared to other sexual dysfunctions like hyposexuality, is a significant side effect associated with the medications outlined in this article.

Healthcare professionals must be vigilant in identifying and managing hypersexuality, which can significantly impact patients’ quality of life. Strategies such as dose reduction, discontinuation, or switching medications should be considered. Remember that sexual dysfunctions are not the only reproductive issues linked to medication or recreational drug use, and caution is essential to avoid long-term complications, including irreversible infertility.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, seek professional help immediately. Treatment options can lead to recovery and improved quality of life.

People Also Ask

What can cause hypersexuality?

Hypersexuality can be caused by certain neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, dementia), psychiatric disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder), brain injuries, and the use of specific medications or substances.

What drugs cause hypersexuality?

Drugs that can cause hypersexuality include specific dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole), some antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs), hormone therapy, and recreational drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine.

What makes someone hypersexual?

Hypersexuality can result from an imbalance in brain chemicals, psychological factors, neurological conditions, or the influence of specific medications or drugs.

Page Sources

1. Verholleman, A., et al. (2020). Naltrexone Use in Treating Hypersexuality Induced by Dopamine Replacement Therapy: Impact of OPRM1 A/G Polymorphism on Its Effectiveness. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(8), 3002. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21083002
2. Codling, D., et al. (2015). Hypersexuality in Parkinson's Disease: Systematic Review and Report of 7 New Cases. Movement Disorders Clinical Practice, 2(2), 116-126. https://doi.org/10.1002/mdc3.12155
3. Oei, N. Y., et al. (2012). Dopamine Modulates Reward System Activity During Subconscious Processing of Sexual Stimuli. Neuropsychopharmacology, 37(7), 1729-1737. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2012.19
4. Lew-Starowicz, M., & Coleman, E. (2022). Mental and sexual health perspectives of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 11(2), 226–229. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2022.00032
5. Mueller, A., et al. (2007). Long-Term Administration of Testosterone Undecanoate Every 3 Months for Testosterone Supplementation in Female-to-Male Transsexuals. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 92(9), 3470-3475. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2007-0746
6. Clayton, A., Dennerstein, L., Pyke, R., & Sand, M. (2010). Flibanserin: A potential treatment for hypoactive Sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Women’s Health, 6(5), 639–653. https://doi.org/10.2217/whe.10.54
7. Society, E. (2022, June 21). Men with sex addiction may have elevated levels of the “love hormone.” Endocrine Society. https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2022/men-with-sex-addiction-may-have-elevated-levels-of-the-love-hormone
8. Murphy, L., Ly, T., DiMario, K., Mihowich, T., & Fedoroff, J. P. (2021). Treatment of Pramipexole-Induced Problematic Sexual Behaviors. Primary Care Companion to CNS Disorders, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.20br02663
9. Johnson, M. W., et al. (2016). Cocaine administration dose-dependently increases sexual desire and decreases condom use likelihood: The role of delay and probability discounting in connecting cocaine with HIV. Psychopharmacology/Psychopharmacologia, 234(4), 599–612. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-016-4493-5
10. Verholleman, A., et al. (2020). Naltrexone Use in Treating Hypersexuality Induced by Dopamine Replacement Therapy: Impact of OPRM1 A/G Polymorphism on Its Effectiveness. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21083002
11. Zeitlin, S. I., & Rajfer, J. (2000). Hyperprolactinemia and Erectile Dysfunction. Reviews in Urology, 2(1), 39-42. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1476085/
12. Liu, T., Jia, C., & Li, Y. (2024). Treatment of sexual dysfunction induced by hyperprolactinemia accompanied by reduced luteinizing hormone levels: A case report. Clinical Case Reports, 12(3), e8432. https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.8432
13. Baid, R., & Agarwal, R. (2018). Flibanserin: A controversial drug for female hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Industrial Psychiatry Journal, 27(1), 154-157. https://doi.org/10.4103/ipj.ipj_20_16
14. Beeder, L. A., & Samplaski, M. K. (2020). Effect of antidepressant medications on semen parameters and male fertility. International Journal of Urology, 27(1), 39-46. https://doi.org/10.1111/iju.14111
15. Jing, E., & Straw-Wilson, K. (2016). Sexual dysfunction in selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and potential solutions: A narrative literature review. The Mental Health Clinician, 6(4), 191–196. https://doi.org/10.9740/mhc.2016.07.191
16. Lorenz, T., Rullo, J., & Faubion, S. (2016). Antidepressant-Induced female Sexual dysfunction. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 91(9), 1280–1286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.04.033
17. Jing, E., & Straw-Wilson, K. (2016). Sexual dysfunction in selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and potential solutions: A narrative literature review. The Mental Health Clinician, 6(4), 191-196. https://doi.org/10.9740/mhc.2016.07.191
18. Brezina, P. R., Yunus, F. N., & Zhao, Y. (2012, March 1). Effects of pharmaceutical medications on male fertility. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3719368/
19. Researchers reverse chemotherapy-related fertility loss. (2023, July 23). https://healthcare-in-europe.com/en/news/reverse-chemotherapy-related-fertility-loss-therapy.html
20. Ryan, K. S., Bash, J. C., Hanna, C. B., Hedges, J. C., & Lo, J. O. (2021). Effects of marijuana on reproductive health: Preconception and gestational effects. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Obesity, 28(6), 558. https://doi.org/10.1097/MED.0000000000000686
21. Salonia, A., et al. (2021). Substances of abuse consumption among patients seeking medical help for uro-andrological purposes: a sociobehavioral survey in the real-life scenario. Asian Journal of Andrology/Asian Journal of Andrology, 23(5), 456. https://doi.org/10.4103/aja.aja_13_21
22. Marudhai, S., et al. (2020). Long-term Opioids Linked to Hypogonadism and the Role of Testosterone Supplementation Therapy. Cureus, 12(10). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.10813
23. Sabour, M., et al. (2017). Administration of high dose of methamphetamine has detrimental effects on sperm parameters and DNA integrity in mice. International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine, 15(3), 161-168. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5447833/
24. Substance use while pregnant and breastfeeding | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024, January 18). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/substance-use-in-women/substance-use-while-pregnant-breastfeeding