Products For Coping With Sexual Side Effects
“Sexual side effects.” It’s a term that anyone who has ever sat through a commercial for a prescription medication has probably heard but one that frequently goes undefined. Additionally the dreaded “sexual side effects” are often regarded as an insurmountable necessary evil, as if giving up sexual pleasure is the trade-off one must make for health. This is so not the case!
What do we mean by “sexual side effects”?
Usually when we talk about sexual side effects we are talking about these things:
- Loss of libido
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Vaginal Dryness
- Genital Numbness
- Delayed Orgasm
- Anorgasmia (Inability to orgasm)
What drugs can cause them?
My research is in the area of depression and its treatment but antidepressants are far from the only medications that can alter our sexual function. The list includes (but is not limited to):
- Anticonvulsants
- Antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs, Tricyclics)
- Antihistamines
- Anti-hypertensive medications
- Anti-manic medications
- Anti-psychotic medications
- Benzodiazepines
- Beta-blockers
- Birth control
- Opioid pain killers
So, what if you are experiencing one or more of these side effects? What can you do about that? Well, a couple of things – and most of them are fun! You can always talk to your doctor about it and try to find a different medication that works for you. But sometimes we find a medication works for us, we’re happy with its benefits and don’t want to change meds, but it also comes with this huge downside. So, how do we navigate this stuff? With the help of the folks over at SheVibe, I’ve created this list of recommended products for keeping your sex life alive when you’re coping with sexual side effects.
Wand Vibrators
When coping with genital numbness, delayed orgasm, or anorgasmia, a large, strong, wand-style massager can be a powerful tool. As far as I’m concerned, the biggest reason for this is their ability to deliver incredibly strong vibration to large areas. Why is this important? Well, maybe the stimulation you’re used to isn’t working, but maybe stimulating a different area would. Or maybe the whole area needs to be stimulated all at once, by something extremely strong. The upshot is, the internal clitoris is huge, the CUV complex is expansive, and the perineal sponge is usually completely neglected.
A large powerful tool will help you get down to business and find pleasurable sensation anywhere it might be. Additionally the sheer power can be enough to get you past the hurdle of your meds.
Doxy Wand Massager
Get it here:
SheVibe
Doxy Die Cast
Featured in “JoEllen’s 2016 Favorite Things”
Get it here:
SheVibe
Le Wand Massager
Get it here:
SheVibe
Vibratex Mini Rechargeable Cordless Vibrator
Get it here:SheVibe
Vibratex Magic Wand Rechargeable
Get it here:
SheVibe
Vibratex Original Magic Wand
Featured in “5 Reasons I Love The Original Magic Wand”
Get it here:
SheVibe
Textured Insertbles
Textured dildos can be fantastic because they produce so much sensation! Especially if you’re like me and don’t often use insertable toys, they can feel like a wake up call to your genitals! These are some favorites:
Tantus Goddess
Get it here:
SheVibe
Tantus Echo & Echo Handle
Get it here:
SheVibe
Funkit Toys Swing V2
The Swing is a great size and combines a smooth sexy curve with subtle- but effective- texture.
Get it here:
SheVibe
Le Wand Ripple Weighted Silicone Attachment
This wand attachment lets you combine wand stimulation with internal texture
Get it here:
SheVibe
No-Erection-Needed Penis Toys
All too often folks treat erections as the center of sexual activity and pleasure but there can be pleasure without an erection!
Hot Octopuss Pulse III Stimulators
This technologically advanced marvel can help users achieve orgasm without an erection.
Get it here:
SheVibe
Wand Essentials Hummingbird Wand Massager Attachment
A wand attachment that doesn’t require an erection for use.
Get it here:
SheVibe
LUBE. Lots of lube.
Why? Well, clearly, if you or your partner has a vulva and is experiencing changes in lubrication it’s just a necessity. Seriously, necessity. Beyond that lube just makes everything feel better.
Sliquid Organics Natural Gel Lubricant
Get it here:
SheVibe
Sliquid Organics Silk
Get it here:
SheVibe
Sliquid Sea Water-Based Lubricant
Featured in: “8 Things I’m Loving (or at least crushing on) Right Now”
Get it here: Good Vibrations, SheVibe, Spectrum Boutique, Early to Bed, Lovehoney, Peepshow Toys, Betty’s Toy Box
Sutil Lubricant (ALL Varieties)
Featured in “JoEllen’s 2019 Favorite Things”
Get it here:
SheVibe
Uberlube Silicone Lubricant
Featured in: “Lube In My Hair: Sex Geek Life-Hacks“
Get it here:
SheVibe
Impact & Sensation
My reasons for suggesting playing with sensation are several-fold: First, let’s take the pressure off “sex is these things we do in the bed” and maybe find some other fun playing. Secondly, several of the meds that can cause sexual side effects can cause an overall dulling of sensation – everything feels kind of “meh,” sensation play is a great way to break through that, to feel something when your body seems to not be feeling stuff
Tantus Plunge Silicone Paddle
Get it here:
Tantus
KinkLab Neon Wand Electrosex Kit
Get it here:
SheVibe
Kinklab Power Tripper
Get it here:
SheVibe
And More?
I will continue to update this page as I discover new products and sexual solutions so check back!
Big Thanks To SheVibe! 
Thank you to SheVibe for making this page possible and for their ongoing support of my sex and depression work!
Want to support my work and show some SheVibe pride? Check out their awesome range of Monster Under The Bed products featuring yours truly as Wonder Woman!
