Engaging in moderately intense physical activities right before intercourse can ignite stronger sexual desires in women on antidepressants, according to a University of Texas Austin study. Lack of sexual desire and inability to have an orgasm are common side effects among women taking antidepressants.

Researchers said that engaging in exercise helps achieve a satisfactory sex life.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 11 percent of Americans aged 12 and over take antidepressants and that women are more likely to take antidepressant medication than men.

For the study, researchers recruited 52 women who reported sexual side effects from antidepressants.

During the first three weeks of the study, women had sex with their partners but didn't exercise. The researchers then divided the participants into two groups for the next three weeks and asked them to either exercise immediately before sex, or just simply participate in a physical activity. During the final three weeks of the study, the two groups were asked to switch tasks.

They found that women, who were involved in 30 minutes of exercise just before intercourse had reduced side-effects of antidepressants. They in fact reported a stronger sexual desire and more orgasms.

Also, women who engaged in regular exercise reported better orgasms.

"Considering the wide prevalence of antidepressant sexual side effects and the dearth of treatment options for those experiencing these distressing effects, this is an important step in treating sexual dysfunction among women who are taking antidepressants."

"These findings have important implications for public health, as exercise as a treatment for sexual side effects is accessible, cheap and does not add to burden of care," study author Tierney Lorenz said in a press release.

The researchers said that moderate exercise triggers the sympathetic nervous system, which increases the blood flow to the genital region. Antidepressants disturb this system.

The study has been published online in the journal Depression and Anxiety.

Topics Exercise, Sexual, Women, Antidepressants, Sex, University of Texas Austin