Health

Dr. Irwin Goldstein is one of America’s leading sexual health physicians, a pioneer in the field, and the director of San Diego Sexual Medicine. In this episode, he breaks down his latest research into what’s known as post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD)—a condition that’s not uncommon but rarely discussed publicly. He’s found that a class of antidepressants known as SSRIs can cause lasting physiological damage even after patients discontinue the medication—contrary to what many patients are told. “When they stop the medicine, the usual teaching is that everyone returns to their pre-medication sexual function, and that’s not what we’re seeing in our sexual health clinic here,” Dr. Goldstein says. His recent research showed that SSRIs can cause structural damage to genital tissue as well as many other physiological problems, like genital numbness, erectile dysfunction, and loss of libido. These problems persist long-term after discontinuing SSRI antidepressants. “It’s kind of an awful thing, and it doesn’t go away,” Dr. Goldstein says. “These individuals in my clinic who have been given the medicines: Our youngest is age 11. They'll never experience what one would otherwise consider a normal sexual life.” Dr. Goldstein holds a degree in engineering from Brown University and a medical degree from McGill University in Montreal. He is credited with advancing the study and treatment of both male and female sexual dysfunctions and has authored more than 360 academic publications in the field. Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. CHAPTER TITLES 0:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Irwin Goldstein and PSSD 0:00:39 SSRIs Overview and Sexual Dysfunction 0:03:01 Impact on Young Populations 0:03:40 Lack of Awareness Among Prescribers 0:05:11 Study Findings: Physiological Changes and Damage 0:07:21 Comparing Young and Older Patient Outcomes 0:08:27 Prevalence and Genetic Factors 0:09:15 Suicidality and Off-Label SSRI Use 0:10:53 Biological and Hormonal Insights of PSSD 0:13:52 Prevalence and Literature Gaps 0:14:41 Dr. Goldstein’s Background and Experience 0:16:01 Other Medicines Causing Sexual Health Problems 0:17:45 Treatment Challenges and Patient Outcomes 0:19:24 Awareness, Informed Consent, and Risk Discussion 0:21:28 Risk Factors and Prevalence Among Age Groups 0:22:27 Final Thoughts and Next Steps