How OxyContin May Be Affecting Your Sex Life
Medically Reviewed By: Manish Mishra, MBBS
Written by: Dr Jason Martin Psy.D., LCPC
OxyContin use may be linked to reduced sex drive, impotence, low sex hormone levels, and erectile dysfunction. However, the specific interactions of opioids on sex hormones requires further study.
OxyContin use can negatively impact your sex life by reducing your sexual desire, leading to low testosterone levels and increasing the risk of erectile dysfunction in men.
Oxycodone, the main active ingredient of OxyContin, may affect sex hormones given off by the pituitary gland. However, more research is needed to determine the specific interactions between oxycodone, opioid receptors, and sex hormones in both men and women.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has made announcements and printed labels to warn patients taking OxyContin about the risk of sexual dysfunction. If you are concerned that opioid use may affect your sexual behavior, talk to your healthcare provider.
Sexual Side Effects Of OxyContin
Active opioid receptors can cause unintended side effects in the central nervous system. One such side effect may be the reduced production of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone, or GnRH.
GnRH stimulates the luteinizing hormone, a sex hormone which increases testosterone or estrogen production.
Opioids that can affect sex hormones may include oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, fentanyl, and other prescription opioids. The following issues with sexual function have been linked to opioid use:
- loss of interest in sex
- reduced endocrine function
- low production of the luteinizing hormone
- low testosterone levels in both men and women
- erectile dysfunction
- premature ejaculation
Existing studies noted that external factors, such as poor mental health, smoking tobacco, and pre existing medical conditions were present in participants. These factors prevented conclusions about sexual problems and opioid use from being drawn.
Other Side Effects Of OxyContin On Sex & Intimacy
Other side effects of opioids can affect your overall health, and by extension your sexual health. Side effects of oxycodone that can impede sexual activity include:
- sedation
- drowsiness
- impairment
- low blood pressure
- constipation
Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction, also known as a substance use disorder, is a mental health condition linked to long-term drug use or drug abuse.
Long-term use of OxyContin can lead to opioid dependence and an opioid addiction, where you may experience declining mental health and worsening relationships with your sexual partner or partners.
Opioid addiction can harm your relationships with your partners as well as yourself. For information on our opioid addiction treatment options, please contact us today.
- Food and Drug Administration — FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns about several safety issues with opioid pain medicines; requires label changes https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-warns-about-several-safety-issues-opioid-pain-medicines-requires
- Food and Drug Administration — Oxycontin HCl Label https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/020553s059lbl.pdf
Medically Reviewed By: Manish Mishra, MBBS
Written by: Dr Jason Martin Psy.D., LCPC
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