While prescription medications can be an important part of your medical treatment plan, they can also sometimes have annoying or unpleasant side effects. There are numerous medications that are known to cause sex-related side effects.

Diuretics

Diuretics, commonly known as water pills, are prescribed for a number of conditions that can cause water retention, including high blood pressure and heart problems. They have been known to cause erectile dysfunction in some men.

Beta Blockers

Beta blockers are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart conditions. They can be a lifesaver for many people, but for some men these drugs can also lead to erectile dysfunction.

Antidepressants

Many traditional depression medications have been linked to erectile dysfunction and decreased sex drive in both men and women. However, some of the newer antidepressants are said to be less likely to cause these types of side effects.

Speak Up

If you do experience any kind of sexual problems — especially if the problems started suddenly and coincided with a medical problem or a medication you started taking recently — it's important to discuss this with your doctor. Many people are reluctant and embarrassed to mention sexual issues to their doctors, but in many cases your doctor may be able to recommend an effective solution. Often, it's as simple as switching to a different medication. There's no reason for you to suffer through a bad or nonexistent sex life when a simple chat with your doctor can lead to a solution.

If you are hesitant to discuss your sexual problems with your doctor, think of your partner. Remember, you aren't the only one being affected by this problem. Your bedroom issues also affect your partner, probably in a big way. So if you can't do it for yourself, do it for your partner. In the end, you will both reap the benefits.