Which medication class is known to commonly induce sexual dysfunction?

The medication class noted for commonly inducing sexual dysfunction includes anticholinergics. Anticholinergics work by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in various bodily functions, including smooth muscle contraction and glandular secretion. One of the side effects of anticholinergic medications can be sexual dysfunction, which may manifest as difficulties with arousal, delayed orgasm, or issues with lubrication in women.

This effect is thought to occur because anticholinergic agents can disrupt the normal autonomic nervous system pathways that facilitate sexual arousal and response in both men and women. For example, medications in this class can contribute to decreased genital blood flow and impair the physiological responses necessary for sexual activity.

In comparing anticholinergics to other classes, while antihistamines and beta-blockers can also lead to sexual dysfunction, anticholinergics are particularly well-known for their impact on sexual function due to their mechanism of action. Stimulants are less commonly associated with sexual dysfunction and may, in some cases, enhance sexual desire or activity, depending on the individual's response to the medication.