Exercise may Alleviate Reduction in Libido Associated with Antidepressants

As previous studies have shown that taking antidepressants can lower your sex drive, a recent study suggests that for women, regular work outs may provide a better way to tackle a low libido.

"These findings have important implications for public health, as exercise as a treatment for sexual side effects is accessible, cheap and does not add to burden of care," said Tierney Lorenz, an Indiana University post-doctoral research fellow who conducted the study, via a press release.

According to researchers from the University of Texas at Austin, they found that sexual dysfunction can be treatable with a dose of moderately intense workouts. But why? Well, here's the way it works.

In a nut shell, physical activity as we workout goes through the sympathetic nervous system, which also promotes blood flow to the genitals... But let's take a look at more information from the study.

Fifty-two women involved reported sexual side effects from taking antidepressants without exercise for a three week period. Over the next three weeks of the study, participants engaged in exercise either before sexual activity or three weeks without. All participants were also asked to indulge in sexual activities three times a week, along with 30 minutes of strength training and cardio exercise three times a week. Towards the end of the experiment, participants were asked to reverse roles.

Researchers found that adding as little as 30 minutes of exercise before sexual activity reduced negative psychological effects of antidepressants.

"Considering the wide prevalence of antidepressant sexual side effects and the dearth of treatment options for those experiencing these distressing effects, this is an important step in treating sexual dysfunction among women who are taking antidepressants," Lorenz concluded. 

More information regarding the study can be found here.