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

[loiloi]

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.

[yme978]

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?

[warrior12345]

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.

[tasha123456]

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.

[Lolo1989]

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.

[Sammy7055]

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.

[mergirl715]

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. :)

[katesx315]

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.