The common medications killing your sex life, revealed by experts. It's not just antidepressants - and there's one life-changing drug men take at their peril

The numbers don't lie: as a population, we are having less sex than ever.

A 2014 study out of Australia found that the average person in a relationship is having sex 1.4 times per week, down from 1.8 times per week a decade earlier.

The 'sex recession' is particularly pronounced among Gen Z, who are about as sexually active as the cohort aged 75 and over, with just 37 per cent reporting having sex once a month or more.

While theories abound for what has caused the sexual slump (including everything from increased screen-time to the decline in long term relationships, there could be something physiological at play, too.

Some experts even believe the answer could lie in our medicine cabinets.

While the impact of antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on libido is well-researched and understood, there exist a whole range of other medications capable of having an impact on our desire for a romp in the sheets.

The mechanism behind how each drug might interact with our sex drive is dependent on the drug itself, says Dr Sara Whitburn, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Sexual Health Medicine, but it's important to understand each drug's impact.

'It is important to discuss your options with your GP who knows you and your history,' she explains.

When it comes to your sex life, here are a few common medications that might be complicating matters.

Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)

Used in the treatment of male pattern baldness, Finasteride is a commonly prescribed drug both in Australia and abroad.

Part of the multibillion-dollar medical hair loss treatment industry, one of the drug's rare side effects is erectile dysfunction, with one study finding it almost doubled the risk in men who took the drug compared to those who took a placebo.

So while hair loss treatments can be life-changing when they work, men must weigh up the potential sexual downsides.

'Finasteride is a bit more tricky,' says Whitburn.

'It does interfere with androgens such as testosterone, which can influence libido, but libido is multifactorial and so can also be influenced by visual, olfactory, tactile, auditory and imaginative stimuli.'

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Hormonal contraceptives

Because of the way in which hormonal birth control (such as combined oral contraceptive pills, Depo-Provera and hormonal IUDs like Mirena) interact with a woman's reproductive hormones, there is potential for disruptions in her normal sex drive.

'While there is some evidence to indicate that a minority of women experience change in sexual functioning on hormonal birth control, this has not been well studied,' says Dr Whitburn, pointing out that there are a number of physiological factors that go into libido and desire. ​

Opioid painkillers

Opioid painkillers, meaning drugs such as morphine or oxycodone, can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to decreased testosterone production.​

The risks involved when it comes to long-term use of these types of drugs can include a detrimental impact on your sex drive in general, says Whitburn.

Ozempic

The meteoric rise in the class of weight loss drugs known as GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (including Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro) has brought an avalanche of reports about the side effects they can induce.

A recent New York Post article quoted a number of users who reported their libido went down as fast as the numbers on the scale, which some theorise could be to do with the medication's impact on the brain's reward system, though Dr Whitburn says evidence is scant.

'There have been reports of both decreased and increased sexual libido from semaglutide,' she says.

'But we are not aware of any solid studies confirming these reports.'

Beta blockers

'Beta blockers appear to be some of the worst offenders of cardiovascular drugs, causing erectile dysfunction,' Whitburn explains.

Because they block beta-adrenergic receptors, which can play a role in regulating heart rate, blood pressure and blood vessel constriction, they can potentially interfere with blood flow to the penis in some patients.

But before making any decisions on your drug cabinet, says Dr Whitburn, a thorough check-up and conversation with your GP is important.

'You may be able to switch to a medication for your health condition that has less impact, or consider how long you might need the medication and if taking a break from the medication is safe and appropriate.

'If that is not possible, libido depends on many factors, so considering other libido-positive factors might help to decrease the impact of the medication.

'Libido can be improved by considering factors like communication, exploring likes and wants, and considering touching and other forms of affection.'

Libido can sometimes be improved by starting new activities or exploring joint interests with your partner, and looking into what else may be impacting your libido - like stress or self-esteem and considering if psychology or other supports may help.