Q. My boyfriend (age 72) never had a problem with sex, but when he was put on simvastatin to lower his cholesterol, his sex drive declined. After the doctor doubled the dose, our sex life came to a screeching halt.
He discontinued the drug for a week and during that time, his sex drive came back. Doctors do not discuss this well-known side effect when prescribing this medication, and that is a dereliction of their medical duty.
A. The impact of statin-type cholesterol-lowering drugs on sexual function remains controversial. Some researchers think that statins may improve erectile function. Others report that such drugs may lower testosterone levels (Journal of Sexual Medicine, April, 2010) and contribute to erectile dysfunction. Cases of lowered libido associated with statin treatment have been reported (British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, Sept. 2004).
Readers of this column have reported sexual side effects from drugs like simvastatin. Others who would like to share their experience may do so at PeoplesPharmacy.com.
