Please remember, this column is designed to help the consumer seeking behavioral-health information, and not intended to be any form of psychotherapy or a replacement for professional, individualized services. Opinions expressed in the column are those of the columnist and do not represent the position of other SelfhelpMagazine.com staff.

Question

For five years my boyfriend has had little interest in sex (once about every ten days!). Recently he started taking Prozac for depression. What's the chance of our sex life improving?

Answer

If your boyfriend has been depressed for five years and that has been reflected in his lack of interest in sex, his interest would be expected to improve as his depression lifts. However, Prozac has the effect of suppressing sexual interest in many men, so these two forces might cancel each other out. If he became depressed only recently, it may be that his sexual preference is for sex every ten days and he will return to that frequency when the depression is gone. You'll have to wait and see.

03/18/98

Dr. Al Cooper, clinical director at the San Jose Marital and Sexuality Centre (408-248-9737), runs the training program for Counseling and Psychological Services at Stanford University. Dr. Cooper is internationally known for his work in sexuality and is freqently interviewed by the media. He currently writes a column in Men's Health Magazine.

Dr. Coralie Scherer coordinates online services for the Centre and specializes in sexual trauma, women's issues, and marital therapy.