Health Upp Introduction
For a happy marriage and relationship, sexual health matters a lot. It takes a lot of complicated events – from arousal to a satisfactory sexual relationship.
For a complete sexual relationship and satisfaction, the mind needs to be focused, nerves – sensitive, and blood needs to be rushing in the right places.
However, there are many things that can break the blow of a natural chain of events. This even includes the medicine you take for your pain.
When you feel pain, you take medicine to reduce it. Now, have you ever thought about how this works? Well, when you take medicine, it alters the blood flow and numbs your nerves.
So, it’s no surprise that it can affect your sexual function.
Overuse of Opioids can affect your sexual health. For example, you might feel less sexual drive, orgasm, or prevent the orgasm completely.
Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid use disorder involves compulsive behavior of self-administration of Opioids for non-medical reasons.
Now, most people might find it hard to understand the basic difference between Opioid use for medical purposes and Opioid abuse. Well, it is not rocket science to differentiate between the two.
When a doctor prescribes any pain killers, they limit the use to only a couple of days. They are aware of its addictive properties. As long as you follow the prescription and do not take more dosage, you are safe.
But, the moment you go beyond what is prescribed and feel like you need to take that medicine to function normally, this is where things go wrong.
When you start showing the urges of taking Opioids for no valid reason, it becomes opioid abuse, and you have fallen victim to it.
Signs Of Opioid Abuse
You must understand that Opioids are a class of drugs that includes both prescription drug medicine and illicit drugs like Heroin and Cocaine.
Though Opioids can be prescribed by doctors to treat pain, overuse can lead to dependency. So, anyone using Opioids must limit them to what the doctor prescribes.
Opioid use disorder can be treated by a doctor. Unfortunately, someone struggling with Opioid addiction may not display symptoms right away. But with careful observation, you might filter out people suffering from Opioid use disorder.
Here are a few signs that you need to be aware of.
- Drowsiness.
- Uncontrollable cravings.
- Decreased libido.
- Lack of hygiene.
- Keeping yourself isolated.
- Changing sleep patterns.
- Sudden weight loss.
- Inability to use Opioid use.
While these are only a few common signs, some signs might differ from person to person.
Opioid use disorder is a chronic disease and can be treated by professional intervention. So, if you find yourself under the influence of Opioid Use Disorder, seek professional help without a second thought.
How Do Opioids Affect Your Sex Life?
Before you can understand how Opioids affect your sex life, it is important to understand what Opioids are. Opioids are a type of drug derived from the Opium Poppy Plant. They have chemical properties that help relieve pain.
As Opioid helps reduce pain by altering blood flow and calming your nerves, they can get highly addictive. It can even have sexual side effects.
1. Erectile Dysfunction
Men who use Opioids to treat their body pain and fatigue are exposed to the risk of erectile dysfunction. This is because the fact that Opioids stimulate the feel-good hormones (The same hormone released during sex).
Prolonged use of Opioids can change how your brain manages the reward system. Unfortunately, this also affects the pleasure that initiates an erection.
2. Low Testosterone
Men who take Opioids can experience a significant drop in their testosterone level. When this happens, you can see low sexual interest, difficulty in erection and moodiness, and fatigue.
Although experts were able to find the connection between Opioid use and low testosterone, it is difficult to say just how many men develop such conditions.
3. Vaginal Dryness
While there are many reasons for a female to experience vaginal dryness, such as low Estrogen, menopause, and certain cancer treatment. It can also be surprising to know that the painkillers you are taking can have such side effects.
The vaginal inner lining is protected by a thin protective layer that is highly sensitive to hormones and responsible for blood flow to the vagina.
If you are experiencing vaginal burning, itchiness, or pain during sexual activity, perhaps it is your medication be blamed.
Prevent Opioid Addiction
It is true that Opioids are used to reduce pain. But at the same time, you must ensure that you are not using it for more than 14 days.
Opioids affect your nerves and blood circulation to help reduce the pain. So, if your body is exposed to many opioids, it will eventually get used to them.
Your brain’s reward system changes once your body gets used to Opioid use. Now, your body will become dependent on Opioids for every function.
Hence, if you are living with chronic pain, Opioids might not be a long-term solution. There are many treatments that can replace Opioids.
Aim for a treatment that helps you enjoy life and not prepare you for shifting from one addiction to another.
Get Help Now!
It is true that Opioid use helps you reduce pain, cure internal damage and take care of body inflammation. But, everything good comes with risks. In this case, risk of addiction.
Opioids affect your nervous system and alter blood circulation, making you feel good. That means prolonged exposure can get your body accustomed to its presence.
You must avoid taking medicine for every small thing. Or even if you are taking it, take it in moderation under the doctor’s advice.
If you find yourself dependent on Opioids for normal functioning, get help from professionals immediately.