You may not be aware of it, but something deeper than a physical ailment like diabetes could be the root of your erectile dysfunction. In order to help you reclaim yourself, this manual will provide you with information on ED and depression as well as suggestions for treatments.
Can depression cause Erectile Dysfunction?
In the USA, depression affects 9% of males of all ages on a yearly basis. But may ED actually result from depression? Absolutely. Low libido and a lack of sexual attraction can be significantly exacerbated by low self-esteem and mental exhaustion.
A 2018 medical study found that 62.5% of men with depression may also experience ED or other forms of sexual dysfunction. Sadly, ED is not something you can just turn on and off. Why then is erectile dysfunction associated with depression?
The brain is involved in everything. The feel-good compounds it naturally creates are likely familiar to you. The term “neurotransmitters” refers to them.
Can Erectile Dysfunction cause depression?
It’s common for ED to lead to sadness, but what about the other way around? Performance anxiety, also referred to as stage fright before sex, is just one of several psychological causes of ED, along with insecurity.
Men who have spoken out about ED frequently mention feeling less macho. Even if the majority of sexual partners are understanding in reality, others experience the emotional weight of being unable to fulfil a sexual partner.
It’s not just you. Every year, 30 million US men suffer from ED, and the majority of them don’t ignore it. Instead, they look for aid.
Antidepressants and Erectile Dysfunction
Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can frequently give you the support you need to bounce back. Unfortunately, for some guys, these might also have negative impacts in the bedroom. What therefore makes antidepressants responsible for erectile dysfunction?
SSRIs energize our nervous systems. The brain and penis communicate via the same channels. However, they could grow crowded. ED in males may result from this. According to additional studies, between 25% and 73% of persons downstairs suffer sexual difficulty after using antidepressants.
But unless your doctor tells you to, you don’t have to stop taking it or reduce your dosage.
Where to find support for erectile dysfunction and depression
Problems are halved when they are shared.
Talking is the first step, whether it’s to a friend, a nurse, a therapist, or another healthcare provider. Of course, in the tightest of confidence. There is no shame in asking for a male doctor at your practice or sexual health clinic if you’d prefer to speak to another guy.
But keep in mind that both male and female doctors frequently treat patients with depression. They can provide you more assistance than online forums and prescribe drugs.
There are helplines like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and mental health organizations like Mental Health America and the National Alliance on Mental Health that can be of assistance if you’re depressed.
See this article for details on the causes of Men Health.