Lowered Sex Drive on Humira?

[taylorali]

Has anyone else had a serious low sex drive while on Humira?

I am 27-and my fiance and I used to have a really healthy sex life. Now I just feel nothing! I never feel turned on or anything. I feel like I've lost my sex drive altogether.

If you have had this issue, were you able to do something to help you?

I'm not on birth control.. (not allowed to bc of chronic fatigue and a whole bunch of other reasons dealing with my mental health. I suffer from severe depression/anxiety)

Would really appreciate any response. :heart:

 

[GutlessWonder86]

I was on Humira a while back and never had issues with a low sex drive. Then again I wasn't dealing with depression or anxiety either. Have you checked out the side effects of your other medications for your depression/anxiety? That could be the cause.

Also, when you are flaring and in pain, the only thing most women with Crohn's or UC want is a heating pad and to be cuddled. My husband knows when I am flaring that I just want to rest so he'll pick up the slack around the house, get my meds, and also buy me Gatoraid if I am starting to dehydrate.

Once things are under control with your IBD and other health issues, you should be able to feel normal again but if you are still concerned, talk to the MD who prescribed the medications for your depression as it does contribute to a low sex drive.

feel better.

 

[taylorali]

Well, I've been on the anti depressants for a couple years now and I really never had an issue until the Humira started. So I am thinking that is the cause. Is there anything you did to help you? I'm on Humira now for maintenance-before it was because I was flaring. I'm recovering from surgery though and starting the Humira today actually.

I know my fiance has been so great - he literally will do anything for me. Takes me to every doctor's apt, cooks for me, gets water/gatorade, all my meds, everything. I am so grateful for him. I don't have much in the way of any other support in terms of people being here physically while I'm going through it. :/

I just feel bad because he has expressed that he feels that I don't want to be with him and that's not the case. :/ Bleh!

 

[GutlessWonder86]

If you've just had major surgery, of course your body is tired. It needs time to recover and heal. Also, the anesthesia needs to get out of your system. That will cause tiredness, post op depression, and other side effects..like bad hair days as it does come through the hair follicles.

I had major exploratory surgery 2 years ago, the 1st time in May and then the 2nd time in Dec. for a nasty infection that was caused by an abscess in my abdomen. I came home w/a PICC line and a wound vacuum. Imagine trying to sleep with an IV line and a vacuum.

My husband understood the amount of pain and how tired I was by learning everything from support group meetings when we were dating and educating himself by talking to others. He put my needs ahead of his. Sex isn't the only thing in a relationship that brings a couple together. There are other ways to show someone you love them such as making a favorite meal, watching movies together, attending meetings to educate oneself, telling each other how much you appreciate and love them, etc. The list is endless.

Bring your fiance here to educate himself as to what we as IBD patients go through. If he doesn't really get that you've been through a major surgery and that it does take time to heal, have a talk with him and even bring him to one of your GI appointments so he can fully get and appreciate what you are doing to help yourself get better.

I am lucky because my husband gets it. When I had that surgery, we weren't together for almost a year due to the surgeries. The only thing on my mind was for the wound to heal as it was painful plus I was tired from the IV antibiotics. My husband bought me some books, movies, and even got me take out once I was able to eat.

We don't take each other for granted only because when we got engaged, we discussed my illness, the treatments, plus the support groups helped, and he was open with me in regards to how scared he was until I reassured him that all of my doctors are working together with me to get better. When I had my stroke 8 yrs ago, he bought me a digital camera to take up a new hobby, obtained internet access so I could stay in contact with my friends, and encouraged me every day to do my exercises from PT and OT so I could regain my strength from being paralyzed on my right side. He worked with me so I was able to take back the house hold chores. When I wasn't in the mood, he just made sure I was comfortable and not in any pain. He never pushed his needs over mine. That's just how he is and what attracted me to him...a true gentleman who's very understanding, caring, and giving.

Once we were married, we took my health issues one day at a time and just focused on what I could do, not what I couldn't. After I healed, we just played it by ear.

Definitely bring you finace here to talk to others. it will educate him. Knowledge is power.

hope this helps.

 

[taylorali]

He is definitely going to be joining the forum this weekend. I read him the message you sent me, Lisa, and he was in shock that someone truly understood me and even how he feels. He has never stood up to my mother or father because I've asked him not to for the sake of keeping a relationship with them-but after hearing your story I am so much more empowered to live my life with people who truly love me and want to take care of me! (thank you for that.)

 

[GutlessWonder86]

I'm glad I could help. I hope that you are feeling better and once you are fully recovered from surgery, you will feel like your old self. thanks for making my day with your supportive response.

 

[Misseireann]

Oh my gosh, I have been on humira for two years and since I started on it I don't really have much of a sex drive either! I could take it or leave it, usually the latter ring the case. I am also on antidepressants, but feel that the humira has really been the one to throw me for a loop. My husband is very understanding and encouraging, but it is hard for me, as for him too. He doesn't say so, but I think it is.

I'm sorry that you have to deal with this, but you're not alone.