As far as we know, numerous factors contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction (ED). And one of them is depression. There is an established correlation between these two issues. However, one may wonder what appears first more often and how this happens. Let’s discover more details about the relationship between mental and sexual health in men.
What is Erectile Dysfunction
ED means that a man cannot lead a sexual life as he wishes, which may happen due to:
- inability to get hard whenever it is needed;
- absence of erection when there is a sexual desire;
- erection happens but does not last long enough.
Thus, this condition makes this area of life unsatisfactory and hinders the confidence of a man. It may appear as a result of the aging process and lowering of testosterone levels but other reasons are also possible.
Causes and Risk Factors for ED
Talking about the possible reasons for this condition, we should mention that they are numerous and different. In many cases, a combination of certain factors becomes a culprit. This means that every individual who faces such a problem requires thoughtful examination to determine the cause and then select a proper treatment.
Physical causes
Certain diseases may contribute to the ED development. This is true for those related to vascular, neurological and hormonal issues, namely:
- diabetes;
- hypertension;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- atherosclerosis.
To achieve an erection one needs to have healthy blood vessels and a proper connection between the nervous and the reproductive system. Therefore, all illnesses that bring harm to these issues may result in ED.
Psychological factors
Furthermore, the mental condition plays a crucial role in the ability to get hard and maintain an erection. Stress, anxiety and depression ruin the answer to the sexual stimulation that arises in the brain. And this is the first link in the chain.
It is backed by science that an erection may occur even without physical stimulation. Thus, only thinking about sex or your partner, may do the task. That is why mental health is more than important for the sexual life.
Lifestyle
Bad habits that are incorporated into the lifestyle lead to physical and mental changes that hinder erection. For instance:
- smoking ruins the health of the blood vessels;
- drinking alcohol changes the performance of the brain and negatively affects the cardiovascular system;
- lack of physical activity and obesity increases the chances of diabetes, atherosclerosis and ED as a result.
Moreover, all these factors may lower libido and thus contribute even more to different issues in sexual life.
Depression as a risk factor
Depression is a big risk factor for ED, and vice versa, ED often leads to depression. The first situation happens because this health condition leads to dark thoughts, higher anxiety and lower libido. Then, when a man encounters some problems with erection, this creates a vicious circle. The anxiety levels grow even higher and proper performance becomes impossible.
Medications
In addition, one should keep in mind that certain medicines may cause ED as an adverse effect. However, this is not the reason to abandon them if they are prescribed. Usually, after the end of the treatment sexual health goes back to normal.
Still, if you are worried about this issue, consult your doctor before starting to take:
- antidepressants;
- antihypertensive drugs;
- tranquilizers;
- antiandrogens;
- appetite suppressants.
Not all of the medicines of these groups cause ED, so there is always a chance to select the therapy that will bring benefits without undesirable side effects.
Depression and Erectile Dysfunction
Depression has a direct impact on the chemical processes that occur in the brain. That is the main reason why it hinders erection and lowers libido because arousal starts in the central nervous system. In addition, depression in men often occurs as a result of low testosterone. This, in turn, leads to the problems in sexual health.
Therefore, as far as modern science can assume, mental and sexual health are closely related. The problems in one of these areas inevitably lead to certain difficulties in the other. Thus, the treatment also should be complex.
Treatment Options
When depression is diagnosed, it must be treated properly. There are several directions included in this process and each of them is important.
Antidepressants and Psychotherapy
The first option in the treatment is to select antidepressants, their dosage and scheme of the intake. Different groups of these medicines exist. They differ in the mechanism of action and must be prescribed according to the individual situation.
In addition, the doctor takes into account the overall health condition of the patient and possible side effects. That is why antidepressants are prescription medicines and should not be taken without control.
Furthermore, psychotherapy is considered a beneficial approach. The thing is that depression may be caused by challenging and dramatic life situations. In this case, only medical treatment may not be sufficient as such problems may persist. Thus, the sessions with a psychotherapist help to relieve stress and return to mental health.
ED medications
While depression is cured, certain medicines for ED treatment will be also useful. The group of PDE5 inhibitors is the most powerful. The first one in it was Viagra. One more modern popular option is Cialis. The latter can be taken both before intercourse or daily, which makes treatment easier and allows getting hard whenever it is needed.
Lifestyle
In order to cope with these health issues faster, it is recommended to quit smoking, not abuse alcohol, switch to a healthy diet and exercise regularly. This has a great positive impact on overall health, including mental and sexual dimensions. In addition, it prevents the occurrence of many diseases that may also cause ED or depression or both of them.
Reducing stress
At last, it is worth taking care of stress levels in daily life. Reduce it as much as possible and apply relaxation and mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing to overcome the influence of stress. Try to create a balance between work and other parts of your life and get enough rest and sleep.
Summary
Altogether, depression is one of the possible causes of ED due to its influence on the brain. In addition, this condition increases anxiety and hinders sexual performance. Therefore, do not neglect such symptoms as low mood and lack of energy and do not neglect taking care of your mental health.
Modern medicine successfully treats both depression and ED. That is why follow the schemes recommended by the specialist and these issues with be cured.
FAQ
Can sex help depression?
Somehow, good sex contributes to a better mood and confidence. However, it is not a treatment and sometimes depression makes it impossible. Therefore, this condition must be cured by other means.
Can erectile dysfunction cause low libido?
Yes, this may happen if a man encounters certain difficulties in getting hard or maintaining an erection. The interest in sex may decrease as a wish to avoid these problems.
Can antidepressants help erectile dysfunction?
If the primary cause of this issue is depression, then it definitely should be cured with the help of these medicines. Some of them lower libido, but this effect disappears after the end of the treatment.