Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Accutane & Vaginal Dryness, Low Libido, Inability to Orgasm

I took accutane for about 3-4 months, but I've been off of it for over a year. Before I took accutane, I was constantly wet - I would actually have to change underwear once or twice a day. I had an extremely high libido and orgasmed quickly. While on accutane, if my boyfriend and I would try to have sex, it would be so dry it felt like sandpaper and I would end up convulsing with tears it was so painful and frustrating. I thought it would change...and it somewhat did after I stopped taking the drug. About a month after I stopped taking accutane I was better. Now, I am able to have sex....but in order for him to even enter me we have to use lubrication (I can't get wet and even when I do it doesn't last long at all). I feel like having sex somewhat but it's no longer a strong desire and I often am unable to orgasm. It is so frustrating that I'm almost in tears writing this. Can anyone help me?? I'm so desperate....I need my life back! I'm only 19 years old :(. Please help me anyone
18 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Hello, I do not know if this is will be helpful or not but feel like I need to tell my experience. So I have all these issues everyone has been talking about for years before I even went on accutane. I was on antibiotics and the pill before I went on it and I am convinced that that was what was causing it. After coming off those I started taking vitamins to help my skin (zinc, fish oil, vitamin B5) and my sex life dramatixally changed I was wet all the time! Not sure which vitamins were causing it but it was amazing! And now I have gone on accutane I still take fish oil but I have stopped the others in fear that it will affect the drug some way. I have noticed my vagina has changed since being on it. I am on a low dose and have only been on it for 6 weeks, I do still get wet and I can orgasm but it is like my responses are delayed and I get wet so much later than I should. I am scared this is just gonna get worse as I continue to take it. But I just thought I should mention the vitamins I took because if you are off accutane it is worth a try looking into some herbal remedies that have helped me in the past.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello ladies. I too took accutane about 11 years ago (around age 34) and have experienced dry vagina and lowered libido ever since. Before that I had zero problems lubricating and had a very healthy sex drive. I had no idea it was a side effect for this drug (doctor never mentioned it and I didn’t see it among the side effects). If I had known, I would have just kept suffering from the acne to retain a healthy sex life with my husband. I didn’t even put it together until a couple years ago when the dryness discomfort started getting worse with the beginnings of peri menopause.  I thought back and realized mid-thirties was too early for a healthy woman to become dry... My gynecologist didn’t have any thoughts on the reason and was not very helpful treating the problem (“use lube”). I thought back to that time and finally put 2 and 2 together. At first I couldn’t find anything to connect my issue to accutane but now I’ve found all of you to corroborate my theory. Does anyone recall reading this in the official side effects? We should make a class action law suit for this. It’s a terrible side effect.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I fee the exact same way. We need to start a list and get people’s name and start a law suit on this. My whole sex drive is gone and I’m 21... that’s clearly not normal... I’m so attracted to my boyfriend and we’ve been together almost 3 years and now it’s really becoming an issue for us. It’s gotten to the point where I just say “I’m not in the mods” and it pushes him away I feel like and I don’t want him to think it’s him because it’s not at all. I took Accutane for 6 months and have been off about a year and some
Months now.. no sex drive at all and I can’t even get wet. Throughout the day sometimes I discharge but it’s nthing like it use to be. We had such a healthy sex life and now I feel like it’s enabling a relationship
Avatar universal
I am reading the comments and pretty much scared, about 1 month of taking oratane i told my doctor about all the side effects including the dryness, she said it cant be it. Most of the doctors including the gynecologist keep denying that the dryness is from the pills. But then again its only the people who take the teatment that can give this feedback.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Before accutane, I was still a virgin. However, i knew my body and I had no issues with getting wet. I took a 40mg dose of accutane for 6 months. I experienced horrible dryness, nightmares, back pain, it made me cranky, dry vagina, and I could barely scratch myself and my skin would just flake off. I literally felt like some kind of monster. I’ve been off accutane for 7 months and some symptoms have gotten better (my lips aren’t so chapped, my mood is better, and my skin isn’t so sensitive) but I am still having issues with vaginal lubrication. The only time it’s tolerable for sex is during ovulation and it sometimes gets a little wet. It’s embarrassing and it makes me not want to have sex. My skin looks amazing. I’m confident everywhere else except the bedroom.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am reading this as I research about accurate for my daughter. I am in my sixties and have experienced many of these problems with dryness and painful intercourse after menopause. My gynecologist put me on estradiol (estrogen tablet inserted into the vagina) and an estrogen cream applied locally at the opening. I do this twice a week and it took care of all of these symptoms. Hope this might be away to help some of you who are experiencing this as a side effect.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
look at my post that I just posted to this forum.  I don't want to scare you, but I took it over 10 years ago and still have the problem.  I thought it was just me, but after doing research I found out it's a long term side effect of the horrendous drug.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I would say they are.  I was on it when I was 14 or 15 and am now almost 28 and have vaginal dryness, lack of libido, high cholesterol, very dry face, joint problems, and more.  I didn't do my research before going on as I was a naïve teenager that didn't want embarrassing Acne.  At one point, a few years after I was off it I got stomach ulcers and they said it was from the Accutane.  I am a very healthy individual that exercises and eats somewhat healthy.  I can contribute all of these problems to Accutane.  I did not become sexually active until after I was off the medication so I really don't have a comparison for how enjoyable sex can be.  I can tell you, I don't really enjoy it because of the dryness and lack of excitement and I really wonder if that is due to the long-term effects of Accutane causing the dryness and libido problems.  If I hear anyone in the future bring up going on this medication, I will steer them clear because it has caused nothing but problems.  Keep in mind, my acne also came back so all of that crap for nothing.  GOOD LUCK!  Hopefully things get better for you.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
What dosage where you on? I am currently in treatment and am having awful vaginal dryness but my doctor assured me my body would return to normal a few months post treatment... after reading this reviews I'm not so sure anymore and I am absolutely terrified of the damage I may be doing to my body. I just started my 4th month... do you think at this point the damage is irreversible?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am having this same side effect... I am 3-4 months in and on a 20mg dosage... everything I am reading is absolutely terrifying me. I spoke to my dermatologist and sought opinions from 2 other dermatologists and all 3 have said that vaginal dryness does occur, however; will eventually resolve. My Dr. basically told me to continue with the treatment, however; after reading this I am absolutely anxious and hopeless that I may have caused permanent damage to my body and to my sex life. Has anyone had any positive changes in the past few months??
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Has anyone found a solution? I'm suffering 6 years after taking accutane
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I know exactly how you feel, I used to get wet all the time before accutane. over 2 years later, I still cannot get wet. I don't feel like a woman. I used to leave literally puddles on sheets during sex. Now, it's impossible for me to get wet. I have to use lube and I hate it. I don't feel like a woman. I am so depressed about it. I've been looking online for years to see if there are things to help...I can't find anything except lube. I want to go back to how I was. Accutane fixed my skin, but ruined my self-esteem in a new way, I don't feel like a woman. I am 21 and should not feel like a dried up old lady. I want relationships but my dryness is the reason why many have ended.....anyone know what can help. I have been so depressed. I wish I never took this stupid medicine.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for posting a positive experience. I've been off Accutane for about 6 months now and I am still experiencing vaginal dryess and loss of sex drive (though its gotten a little better now). Hope I can enjoy sex again soon like I used to. :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Everything will go back to normal but it takes at least a year to get out of your system. I too was dry and also developed very bad wrinkles around my mouth due to the dry skin, although my skin is improving everyday, i have now developed Actinic Cheititis on my bottom lip which is due to the Accutane, I will never take this drug again and it never got rid of my acne, I am back to what i use to be. So hold on in-there and the oil will come back but it takes time.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
How come there are people who have been off of it for over 15 years and still suffer from the same side effect? even up top in the comments someone said shes been off of it for 14 years and still dry and painful sex. when will this misery end? i wish i knew about this, i would have never taken it. it killed who i am, so depressing :(
Avatar universal
Can you please tell me if the effects of vaginal dryness after accutane are permanent. I've been on it for 6 months and finished my course yesterday. But 3 days ago I had stimulation and sex and it was dry down there and the sex hurt. I've never experienced this I'm 22 and really worried it won't go away. Answers appreciated.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Please do you still suffer from this ? I’m seriously worried because I’ve stopped taking accutane and I still suffer from vaginal dryness
Avatar universal
I am on Accutane for a second time, and the first time I was still a virgin.  Now I have been on it for almost a month and I am experiencing pain during sex, and bleeding.  My skin is very dry and I have an issue of vaginal dryness.  I'm terrified that it will not go away after stopping taking the medication.  Dry skin is the only other side effect I suffer from.  I'm only 17 so I hope that this does not stay with me forever.  I think i'm going to ask my dermatologist about it and maybe she will give me a way to help with the problem.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
May I ask you whether you still suffer from this ? I’ve stopped taking accutane it’s been 6 months now and I’m still suffering from vaginal dryness I’m seriously scared that’s it’s permanent please whenever you see this comment do answer me
Avatar universal
I took Accutane 14 years ago and have the same problem with vaginal dryness. Using intravaginal lubricant creates an unbearable stinging sensation both in the vagina and on the vestibule. The only lubricant that is remotely tolerable is Replens which is not covered by drug plans and is extremely expensive. I have been in two long term relationships in my life - both which ended as a result of this problem. I wish I would have known about this prior to using this medication as a teenager. I wish I had advice for those who are having this problem.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am having the exact same problem. Like you, I was constantly wet with a healthy sexual appetite.  Accutane has changed this drastically.  I have very low sexual desire and absolutely no natural lubrication even with stimulation.  Have you had any resolution? I've been off of accutane (sotret) for 2 months and only took a very low dose before stopping treatment after about a month due to joint pain. I've never had any vaginal issues, and have always been very sexually healthy, and now, I feel so helpless.  Anyone have any suggestions?
Helpful - 0
309783 tn?1271958229
Hi. Accutane works by shrinking the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin. They grow back very slowly, by which time the patient has nearly always outgrown their tendency for acne. Accutane can also affect hair, lips, eyes, nose and vagina. Skin can be fragile for up to 6 months after finishing Accutane. However, it is very unusual to still be experiencing vaginal dryness after a year.
Have you changed anything else, method of birth control for example?
Using a fruit-flavored lubricant will make it feel more sexy and less clinical than using something like KY Jelly.
Make an appointment with your doctor, as it is unusual for this problem to persist after stopping Accutane.
Eloise.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Acne Community

Popular Resources
Learn to identify and prevent bites from summer’s most common pests.
Doctors argue for legislation to curb this dangerous teen trend in the latest Missouri Medicine report.
10 ways to keep your skin healthy all winter long
How to get rid of lumpy fat on your arms, hips, thighs and bottom
Diet “do’s” and “don’ts” for healthy, radiant skin.
Images of rashes caused by common skin conditions