Common Risks of Sertraline, Including Erectile Dysfunction

November 12, 2024

4 mins

Erectile dysfunction can be a frustrating barrier for men with mental health conditions like PTSD and depression, affecting their sense of self. If you experience erectile dysfunction before taking antidepressants, those symptoms can worsen while taking them.

Sertraline is an off-brand version of the antidepressant medication Zoloft. Both versions of the medications traditionally treat depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions. However, the effects of the drug may also benefit those experiencing sexual dysfunction — including premature ejaculation.

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What is Premature Ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is a type of erectile dysfunction that causes ejaculation to occur sooner than intended during or before sexual intercourse. Premature ejaculation can be a short-term problem that resolves on its own, but erectile dysfunction that persists can be a sign of a chronic health issue.

There are various reasons why someone may experience premature ejaculation. A person may experience premature ejaculation if they are having trouble managing depression, stress, and anxiety. People with depression tend to have low levels of serotonin.

What are other options for treating premature ejaculation?

If you are frequently experiencing premature ejaculation that interferes with your sexual experiences, consider speaking with a healthcare provider about options for treatment. 

Some healthcare providers may recommend behavioral therapy exercises in combination with medications for erectile dysfunction. 

The following medications may increase serotonin levels and improve premature ejaculation: 

• Prozac (fluoxetine)

• Aropax (paroxetine)

• Ultram (tramadol)

If sertraline causes erectile dysfunction and other symptoms, a healthcare provider may consider other options for antidepressants that may work better for you.

A healthcare provider may recommend taking alpha-blockers to treat premature ejaculation. They treat hypertension and affect smooth muscle contractions in the body. Alpha-blockers weaken muscle tissue that tenses up and causes premature ejaculation.

How Does Sertraline Affect Erectile Dysfunction?

SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like sertraline can improve premature ejaculation and other signs of erectile dysfunction by increasing serotonin levels.  

Serotonin is a natural substance in the body that plays a key role in sexual function. Along with other neurotransmitters, serotonin sends signals from the brain when a person is sexually aroused. High levels of serotonin increase the time before someone ejaculates during sex. 

In one study, participants who consumed 25 to 30 mg (milligrams) of sertraline for weeks saw improvements in their overall sexual satisfaction.

What are the other uses of sertraline?

One of the main uses of sertraline has been to treat mental health conditions. Besides sending signals to the brain about sexual arousal, serotonin can also send signals to improve your mood, regulate sleep, and alert your senses when you experience pain.

Sertraline is an off-brand version of Zoloft that is often added to treatment plans for other conditions that have not been approved by the FDA. 

Sertraline is FDA-approved for treating:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Panic disorder

• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD)

Uses of sertraline that have not been approved by the FDA include:

• Premature ejaculation

• Binge eating disorder

• Bulimia nervosa

• Body dysmorphic disorder

• Generalized anxiety disorder

Be sure to speak with a licensed healthcare provider about the best treatment plan options for you.

Can Other Antidepressants Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

At least 50% of people taking antidepressants like sertraline may experience some form of sexual dysfunction. Both women and men can experience changes in sexual health while treating depression and other conditions with SSRIs. Men are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction while taking antidepressants.

Is erectile dysfunction permanent?

Research has found that sexual dysfunction tends to stop once you stop using SSRIs. While rare, there is still a chance that erectile dysfunction may continue to occur occasionally. Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) can cause delayed ejaculation that can change erectile function for people who are not experiencing premature ejaculation.

While premature ejaculation is not as common as other forms of erectile dysfunction (ED), treatment plans to treat it look very similar. However, there is currently no FDA-approved therapy for premature ejaculation.

What are other potential causes of erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction affects millions of men in the United States. As men get older, they are more likely to have preexisting health conditions that contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Besides medications, other possible causes of erectile dysfunction include:

• Diabetes

• Cardiac disease

• Excessive alcohol use

• Smoking tobacco

• Severe obesity

Some SSRIs may cause erectile dysfunction depending on how your body responds. Other medications that cause erectile dysfunction include antipsychotics, lithium, and diuretics. Be sure to let a healthcare provider know about any medication you are taking before starting sertraline.

How Rex MD Can Help

Erectile dysfunction is a common health condition. It can impact your emotional and mental health as much as it can affect your body physically. 

Rex MD offers access to a variety of erectile dysfunction treatments like Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil).

If you experience premature ejaculation, RexMD also provides access to sertraline to improve your symptoms.

Get started on finding a medication to help improve your symptoms today.