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A new study from Simon Fraser University (SFU) has revealed a concerning connection between antidepressant use and persistent genital sensitivity loss. The research, published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, highlights a troubling trend in which 13% of antidepressant users report a reduction in genital sensitivity—a side effect that persists even after stopping the medication. In comparison, only 1% of individuals who used other psychiatric medications experienced similar issues.
Lead author Yassie Pirani, an SFU alumnus, noted that the issue has long remained under the radar due to stigma, shame, and embarrassment. “For some, it resolves with time, but for a lot of people, it doesn’t go away,” Pirani said. “I’ve spoken with someone who developed this syndrome at age 33. Now, at 66, nothing has changed.”
The study sheds light on Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD), an under-researched condition that causes persistent sexual dysfunction due to the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). In cases of PSSD, sexual function does not return to normal even after the individual discontinues the medication.
Pirani emphasized the emotional and relational toll this condition can take. “I’ve talked to teenagers who get this, and it’s devastating. It’s not just about the numb genitals—it’s about what it means for having relationships, to be rendered impotent without your consent. It is a serious harm.”
The severity of PSSD can vary. For some individuals, the sensation is only slightly diminished—around 80% of what it once was—while others experience complete numbness. The condition, according to Pirani, exists on a spectrum.
This research was part of a larger survey that included approximately 9,600 LGBTQ youth from Canada and the U.S. focused on mental health, conversion therapy, and the factors shaping gender and sexuality during adolescence and early adulthood. The findings suggest a significant impact of pharmacological treatments on sexual health, with a particular need for improved awareness and education.
Travis Salway, SFU Associate Professor and principal investigator of the study, emphasized the importance of understanding how antidepressants shape sexual experiences. “This study reminds us that pharmacological interventions play a role in shaping the sexual experiences of youth,” Salway said. “Improved understanding and education are urgently needed.”
Participants in the survey were asked about their history with antidepressants and any symptoms compatible with PSSD after discontinuing the medication. The results show that genital numbness, known as genital hypoesthesia, is a key symptom of PSSD and one that is not commonly linked to depression itself. “There’s no medical explanation for why people should experience numbness in their genitals due to depression or anxiety,” explained Salway. “The frequency of genital hypoesthesia in those who had used antidepressants was more than 10 times greater than in those who had used other psychiatric medications.”
The study also highlights a critical gap in informed consent practices. While antidepressants are widely prescribed for conditions like anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, many patients are not adequately warned about the potential sexual side effects. This lack of awareness has led to significant distress for those affected.
The findings underscore the need for more comprehensive patient education and transparent conversations about the risks associated with antidepressant use. “We need to make sure patients have all the information to make informed decisions about their health,” Pirani said.
As the conversation around mental health and medication continues to evolve, this study calls for more research and attention to the long-term effects of antidepressants, especially on sexual health.
Source: Simon Fraser University
Journal Reference: Pirani, Y., et al. (2024). Frequency of self-reported persistent post-treatment genital hypoesthesia among past antidepressant users: a cross-sectional survey of sexual and gender minority youth in Canada and the US. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. doi.org/10.1007/s00127-024-02769-0.
