281: Permanent Sexual Side Effects from Commonly Prescribed Medications with Dr. Irwin Goldstein

In this episode of the Better Sex Podcast, host sex therapist, Jessa Zimmerman, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Irwin Goldstein from the San Diego Sexual Medicine Clinic. They discuss the often overlooked and lasting sexual side effects of widely prescribed medications, including birth control pills, SSRIs, and finasteride (Propecia). Dr. Goldstein explains the mechanisms by which these medications impact sexual health and shares research findings and patient experiences. Listeners are informed about the importance of recognizing these side effects and considering alternative treatments where possible.

00:00 Introduction to Better Sex Podcast

00:46 Welcoming Dr. Irwin Goldstein

01:02 The Hidden Dangers of Common Medications

02:52 Deep Dive into Birth Control Pills

05:01 Exploring Alternatives to Birth Control Pills

05:56 Research Findings on Birth Control Pills

06:48 Impact of Birth Control Pills on Androgen Receptors

09:32 Long-Term Effects of Birth Control Pills

12:33 Introduction to Antidepressants and Sexual Side Effects

15:37 Impact of SSRIs on Sexual Health

15:52 Mechanisms Behind SSRI-Induced Sexual Dysfunction

16:37 Animal Studies and Findings

17:53 Persistent Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men

18:24 Treatment Options for PSSD

19:08 Challenges in Treating PSSD

19:56 Gender Differences in PSSD

21:13 Introduction to Finasteride and Its Side Effects

22:42 Mechanism of Finasteride and Its Impact on Hormones

24:29 Health Risks of Finasteride

27:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Want to work with Jessa? Visit https://www.intimacywithease.com

Bio:

Dr. Goldstein has been involved with sexual dysfunction research since the late 1970's. He has authored more than 350 publications as well as multiple book chapters and edited 6 textbooks in the field. His interests include penile microvascular bypass surgery, surgery for dyspareunia, sexual health management post cancer treatment, genital dysesthesia/persistent genital arousal disorder, physiologic investigation of sexual function in men and women, and diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunction in men and women. Dr. Goldstein is Director of Sexual Medicine at Alvarado Hospital, Clinical Professor of Surgery at University of California, San Diego and practices medicine at San Diego Sexual Medicine. He is also Editor-in-Chief of Sexual Medicine Reviews and past Editor of The Journal of Sexual Medicine. He is a Past President of the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health and of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America. He holds a degree in engineering from Brown University and received his medical degree from McGill University. The World Association for Sexual Health awarded the Gold Medal to Dr. Goldstein in 2009 in recognition of his lifelong contributions to the field, in 2012 he received the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health Award for Distinguished Service in Women’s Sexual Health, in 2013 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sexual Medicine Society of North America, and in 2014 he received the ISSM Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for Sexual Medicine. He is happily married to his college sweetheart Sue, and together they have three children and five grandchildren.

Want to learn more about my sponsored charity? Charity: Water is committed to providing clean water to every human on the planet, 100% of your contribution will be used directly for water projects around the globe. You can learn more at https://www.bettersexpodcast.com/water.

More info and resources:

Secret Podcast for the Higher Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/hdppodcast

Secret Podcast for the Lower Desire Partner: https://www.intimacywithease.com/ldppodcast

How Big a Problem is Your Sex Life? Quiz – https://www.sexlifequiz.com

The Course – https://www.intimacywithease.com

The Book – https://www.sexwithoutstress.com

Podcast Website – https://www.intimacywithease.com

Access the Free webinar: Intimacy Made Easy: 3 Secrets to Bridging Libido Differences: https://intimacywithease.com/masterclass