The Hidden Cost of SSRIs: What Every Woman Should Know with Dr. Laurie & Dr. Suzette | Episode 15

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Laurie Mintz and Dr. Suzette Johnson to explore one of the most common but least discussed side effects of antidepressants: difficulty with arousal, desire, and orgasm. Millions of women take SSRIs and SNRIs for anxiety, depression, postpartum mental health, and other conditions, yet many are never warned about how these medications can impact their sexual well-being. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, Dr. Mintz and Dr. Johnson explain the neuroscience behind SSRI-induced s//xual dysfunction, why these side effects are often overlooked in healthcare, and what women can do if they find themselves struggling. Most importantly, they challenge the false choice between mental health and s//xual health, emphasizing that women deserve both. KEY TAKEAWAYS: SSRIs and SNRIs commonly affect desire, arousal, sensation, and org//sm, yet many patients are never informed about these side effects Sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants is often treatable through medication adjustments, behavioral strategies, and sexual medicine interventions Women should never feel forced to choose between protecting their mental health and maintaining a satisfying sex life SHOW SUMMARY: 01:30: Experts' origin stories in s//xual health 05:01: Foundation of SSRIs and neurological impacts 06:59: Statistics on SSRI-induced s//xual dysfunction 09:15: Low-dose SSRIs as medical treatment for premature ejacu//ation 10:32: Lack of sexual health training for medical professionals 12:22: Impact of SNRIs on s//xual function 13:36: Wellbutrin as an offset for SSRI side effects 16:01: Performance pressure and psychological layering 21:56: Relational impact and communication challenges 24:36: Solutions for medication-induced dysfunction 25:21: Behavioral strategies and the use of vibrators 26:06: Compounded topical "scream cream" and vasodilators 31:16: Medical adjustments: timing, dosing, and switching medications 33:05: Reclaiming pleasure through self-pleasure techniques 35:58: Resources for finding s//xual medicine specialists 38:31: Redefining "good s//x" and final recommendations RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE The Sexology Lab is powered by Sexual Health Alliance, a global hub for world-class certifications, cutting-edge education, and a thriving community of professionals. Many of the show’s guests also share their expertise at their events. Join them at: SexualHealthAlliance.com More from this episode’s guests at: Dr. Laurie Mintz: https://www.drlauriemintz.com/ Dr. Suzette Johnson: https://health.usnews.com/doctors/suz... Becoming Cliterate by Dr. Laurie Mintz: https://www.drlauriemintz.com/becomin... MyMojo: Regain Your Orgasm Program: https://mymojo.com/courses/find-your-... SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps us reach more people who need these insights. 🎙 Thanks for tuning in to The Sexology Lab. See you next week! https://www.sexologylab.com/