Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD): Understanding a Distressing Condition

Introduction:

Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) is a persistent sexual health condition affecting young patients, even after discontinuation of SSRIs or SNRIs. Symptoms include erectile dysfunction (ED), hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), orgasmic dysfunction, and decreased genital sensation, lasting for more than 6 months.

Methods:

A review of patient charts from 2009 to 2019 was conducted. Patients reported symptoms, completed the IIEF, and underwent Doppler ultrasound during pharmacological erection, along with Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) to assess sensation.

Key Findings:

• Patient Demographics: 43 male patients (mean age 31) met the criteria for PSSD.
• Prevalence of ED: 93% of patients had ED, with nearly half experiencing severe ED.
• Vascular Findings: 79% of patients showed erectile tissue abnormalities indicating fibrosis.
• Concomitant Symptoms: HSDD, orgasmic dysfunction, and decreased genital sensation were common, with 89% of patients showing abnormal sensation test results.

Conclusions:

PSSD patients frequently suffer from severe ED, reduced sexual desire, and genital sensation issues. These findings emphasize the need for specialized care. Healthcare providers must be aware of these long-lasting effects and refer patients to sexual health specialists.

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