A 28-year-old member asked:
My husband gets epidural shots for the pain in his back.can the shots take aways his sex drive?
5 doctor answers • 14 doctors weighed in
Dr. Scott Mackinnonanswered
Anesthesiology 34 years experience
No: Epidural steroids are sometimes given for spinal disc disease. Typically, a steroid preparation is given to the affected area. To the best of my knowledge, this procedure and the medication given should have no effect on sex drive. The symptoms that brought him to the doctor may be more likely to affect sex drive.(back pain).
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Slade Suchecki commented
Family Medicine 19 years experience
Per article in Journal of Pain, 74% of men using opioids for treatment of chronic pain have testosterone levels below the normal range - this may also be contributing factor to consider.
Dec 31, 2011
Dr. Rita Agarwalanswered
Anesthesiology 36 years experience
They shouldn't: They shouldn't, however most epidural pain shots contain steroids and although the dose of steroids is low, it may be enough to effect his sex drive. Chronic pain in and of itself can also decrease sex drive.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. John Storkanswered
Anesthesiology 44 years experience
Not really: Epidurals for back pain usually involve steroid injections, which should not affect sex drive. The back pain itself may affect sex drive or performance, particularly of there is nerve involvement.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Matt Malkinanswered
Anesthesiology 17 years experience
Not that I've heard: I have not heard of an association between epidural steroid (glucocorticoid) and loss of libido. Chronic pain can, however, cause depression (and other behavioral changes) and make sex painful. The steroids infected are different from anabolic (muscle building) steroids. Steroid refers to the chemical structure.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. David Rosenfeldanswered
Pain Management 28 years experience
Not the shots: Pain, pain medication, and depression all can cause diminished sex drive.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 4, 2016
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