Scientists link antidepressants to long-lasting genital numbness in young people

A new study has found that some young people report a persistent loss of genital sensitivity after stopping antidepressants. This symptom—often described as numbness—was significantly more common in people who had taken antidepressants compared to those who used other psychiatric medications. The study, published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, suggests that a notable portion of young antidepressant users may experience enduring sexual side effects, particularly among sexual and gender minority groups.

The researchers were motivated by growing concern around a condition known as post-SSRI sexual dysfunction, in which sexual side effects, including reduced genital sensitivity, continue even after discontinuing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and similar antidepressants. While these side effects are recognized during treatment, there is less awareness about their potential persistence. Many patients may not feel comfortable discussing sexual difficulties with their doctors, and some clinicians may attribute the symptoms to underlying psychological issues rather than possible effects of the medication. This has made it difficult to estimate how common persistent sexual side effects really are, particularly in non-clinical populations.

To address this knowledge gap, the research team analyzed data from a large, anonymous online survey called UnACoRN (Understanding Affirming Communities, Relationships, and Networks), conducted in 2022. The survey gathered responses from 9,679 young people aged 15 to 29 across the United States and Canada, with more than 95% identifying as sexual or gender minorities. Of these, 2,179 participants had used psychiatric medication in the past and had been sexually active—criteria that allowed for assessment of genital sensitivity during and after treatment.

Participants were asked if they had ever experienced “less feeling in your genitals when having sex,” and whether this symptom continued after they stopped taking their medication. The researchers focused on those who reported past use of antidepressants, sedatives, or antipsychotics, while excluding anyone who had undergone genital surgery or who had not been sexually active.

The analysis revealed a striking difference between medication groups. Among participants who had taken antidepressants, 30.8% reported genital numbness during treatment, and 13.2% said the symptom continued after they stopped the medication. In contrast, only 8.2% of those who took sedatives or antipsychotics (but not antidepressants) reported genital numbness, and just 1.0% said the symptom persisted. No persistent symptoms were reported among those who had only taken antipsychotics and had stopped treatment.

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To better understand these results, the researchers used statistical models that accounted for several factors, including age, sex assigned at birth, use of gender-affirming hormones, and depression severity. Even after adjusting for these variables, past use of antidepressants was strongly associated with reports of persistent genital numbness. The odds were more than 14 times higher for those who had taken antidepressants compared to those who had not. Sedative use and severe depression were also linked to increased reports of persistent genital numbness, though to a lesser extent.

These findings point to reduced genital sensitivity as a potential marker of long-term antidepressant effects. The symptom, often referred to in medical literature as genital hypoesthesia, is considered a defining feature of post-SSRI sexual dysfunction. Unlike more general sexual difficulties, which can be associated with depression itself, genital numbness is less commonly linked to psychological causes and may be more directly related to the pharmacological effects of certain drugs.

Importantly, the study found these symptoms in a young, sexually diverse population that is often underrepresented in clinical research. Sexual and gender minority youth are more likely to be prescribed antidepressants due to higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders. This makes it especially important to understand the full range of potential side effects they might face when undergoing treatment.

While the study offers new insight into a relatively understudied phenomenon, it also has several limitations. The survey did not distinguish between specific types of antidepressants, such as SSRIs versus other drug classes, although most antidepressant prescriptions for youth are SSRIs or SNRIs. The data were also based on self-reports, which introduces the possibility of recall bias. Additionally, the researchers could not determine how long symptoms persisted after treatment or whether they were limited to reduced genital sensitivity or included other sexual side effects. The survey did not include baseline measures of sexual functioning before participants began taking medication, so it’s not possible to confirm whether the antidepressants caused the symptoms or simply coincided with them.

The researchers emphasize the need for future studies to follow people over time and assess sexual symptoms before, during, and after treatment. Such longitudinal research would help determine whether reduced genital sensitivity is truly a lasting effect of antidepressant use, how long it tends to persist, and whether any treatments can help reverse it. More clinical research is also needed to better understand the biological mechanisms involved and whether certain people are more vulnerable than others.

“Many people benefit from SSRI/SNRI medications; however, they may cause persistent symptoms of sexual dysfunction,” the researchers concluded. “Transparency about the risks and meaningful informed consent are central to ethical prescribing. Additionally, patients should be made aware of alternative treatments, particularly those at an early stage of sexualdevelopment. Increased surveillance and industry regulation are paramount to avoid further iatrogenic outcomes.”

The study, “Frequency of self-reported persistent post-treatment genital hypoesthesia among past antidepressant users: a cross-sectional survey of sexual and gender minority youth in Canada and the US,” was authored by Yassie Pirani, J. Andrés Delgado-Ron, Pedro Marinho, Amit Gupta, Emily Grey, Sarah Watt, Kinnon R. MacKinnon, and Travis Salway.