Can Naproxen Cause Erectile Dysfunction or Decrease Sex Drive?

Naproxen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID) is not commonly listed with sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction (ED) or low libido on standard consumer drug information, but there is some evidence that regular NSAID use is associated with ED at the population level. In large cohort data, regular NSAID users showed a higher odds of ED even after adjusting for age and common health conditions, suggesting a possible link that may affect some users. ^[1] Naproxen’s widely available safety summaries do not typically include decreased libido or ED among expected side effects. ^[2]

---

Quick Summary

• Not a typical labeled side effect: Common naproxen side-effect lists do not usually include ED or decreased libido. ^[2]
• Population-level association: A large study found regular NSAID use (class that includes naproxen) was associated with higher odds of ED after adjustment for confounders. ^[1]
• Interpretation: This suggests a possible association rather than proof of direct causation; individual risk may vary based on age, dose, duration, and underlying health.

---

What the Evidence Shows

Drug Information Listings

Consumer-facing medication guides for naproxen emphasize gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, kidney, and other nervous-system side effects but do not typically list erectile dysfunction or decreased sex drive. ^[2] These summaries advise reporting unusual problems but do not single out sexual side effects. ^{[2] [3]}

Observational Study Data

A large prospective cohort (over 80,000 men, ages 45–69) examined NSAID use and ED:

• Regular NSAID use increased with age, and ED also increased with age. ^[1]
• The unadjusted odds ratio (OR) for ED was 2.40, and after adjusting for age, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, vascular disease, heart disease, and BMI, the association persisted (adjusted OR 1.38). ^[1]
• The association remained even under stricter exposure definitions, suggesting a robust correlation between regular NSAID use and ED. ^[1]

This does not prove that naproxen alone causes ED, but it indicates that regular use of NSAIDs may be linked to ED beyond what would be expected from age and comorbid conditions. ^[1]

---

Possible Mechanisms (What Might Be Happening)

While naproxen-specific mechanisms are not definitively proven, NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin synthesis, which can affect blood vessel function and kidney hormone balance; vascular health is critical for normal erections. This class effect on prostaglandins is well-documented for NSAIDs in general and contributes to known interactions and renal effects. ^[4] Given erectile function depends on healthy blood flow and endothelial signaling, long-term prostaglandin inhibition could theoretically contribute to ED in susceptible individuals, aligning with the observed association in cohort data. ^{[1] [4]}

---

Practical Guidance

• Short-term, occasional use: Sexual side effects seem uncommon in standard listings; many people may not experience any change in libido or erections with short-term, low-dose use. ^[2]
• Regular or high-dose use: If you use NSAIDs frequently or for a long time and notice new erectile difficulties, it may be reasonable to consider a potential contribution from the NSAID and discuss with a clinician. ^[1]
• Assess other causes: ED is multifactorial age, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, alcohol, stress, depression, and other medications (like some antidepressants or antihypertensives) are common contributors; the large study adjusted for many of these but the association persisted. ^[1]
• Medication review: If ED begins after starting naproxen or another NSAID, consider a trial of dose reduction, switching pain management strategies, or spacing doses always with clinician guidance to see if symptoms improve. ^[2]
• Seek care promptly: Sudden or persistent ED, especially with chest pain or reduced exercise tolerance, should prompt medical evaluation due to cardiovascular risk seen with NSAIDs. ^[5]

---

When to Talk to Your Doctor

• You develop ED or decreased libido that started or worsened after beginning regular naproxen use. ^{[1] [2]}
• You need long-term pain control and are concerned about cardiovascular, kidney, or sexual side effects. ^{[5] [2]}
• You have risk factors for ED (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking) and take NSAIDs regularly, to consider tailored pain strategies. ^[1]

---

Key Takeaways

• ED and low libido are not commonly listed among naproxen’s standard side effects, but cohort evidence suggests regular NSAID use is associated with increased ED risk beyond age and other factors. ^{[2] [1]}
• The link appears associative rather than definitively causal, and most occasional users may not experience sexual side effects. ^{[1] [2]}
• If you notice changes in sexual function during regular naproxen use, a medical review is sensible to balance pain relief with overall health and to explore alternatives. ^[2]