Medical disclaimer

Sound Mind and everything on this site are for education. They aren’t a substitute for care from a qualified professional who knows your situation.

Not medical advice

Nothing here is medical, psychological, or psychiatric advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it doesn’t create a doctor–patient or therapist–client relationship. Always talk to a qualified clinician about your own health.

Talk to a clinician first if:

• your sex drive has changed suddenly or noticeably, in either direction. That can signal a medical condition, a mental-health change, or a medication side effect.
• you take prescription medication, including antidepressants, medication for Parkinson’s disease or restless legs, testosterone, or other hormones.
• you’re considering a supplement or herb, including any discussed in the book, and you take medication or have a health condition. Most supplement labels ask the same.
• you have erectile, ejaculatory, urinary, or prostate symptoms.
• you have a heart condition or high blood pressure and plan to change how you exercise or to try cold-water exposure.

Never change prescribed medication on your own

Don’t stop, start, or adjust a prescription without talking to the prescriber, even if you suspect it’s affecting your drive. Some medications are dangerous to stop suddenly.

Substances and medications in the book

The book discusses supplements, herbs, and prescription drugs, and what the research says about each, so you can make informed choices. Mentioning a substance isn’t a recommendation to take it, and we don’t sell any. Follow the product label, and check with a doctor or pharmacist before you start anything new if you take medication or have a health condition.

Get help now

• If you’re thinking about suicide or self-harm: in the US, call or text 988. In the UK and Ireland, call Samaritans on 116 123. Elsewhere, find a local line at findahelpline.com.
• If sexual behavior is causing you serious harm, or you can’t stop despite trying: a licensed mental-health professional can help. In the US, AASECT lists certified sex therapists. In the UK, COSRT does the same.
• If you have unwanted sexual thoughts that frighten or disgust you, and you don’t want to act on them: this can be a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is treatable. The International OCD Foundation lists therapists trained in exposure and response prevention (ERP).
• If you’re worried about sexual thoughts or feelings involving children: confidential, non-judgmental help is available before anyone is harmed. Contact Stop It Now on 1-888-773-8368 in the US (stopitnow.org) or 0808 1000 900 in the UK (stopitnow.org.uk).

Results vary

Everyone’s body, history, and circumstances are different. We can’t promise any particular result, and not every strategy in the book will suit everyone.

Information can date

We work to keep the book accurate and cite our sources, but research moves on. If you spot something outdated or wrong, please tell us at [email protected].