Depression and erectile dysfunction are widespread conditions nowadays. Moreover, they often coexist. A patient then faces a doubled formidable problem which seems to be hard for overcoming. But one shouldn’t fall into desperation, there is a way out.
According to the study by Jinghui Wang, Xiaohang Wu et al. (BMJ Open. 2017
The most common psychical manifestations and physical symptoms of the condition include:
persistent sadness
impaired self-esteem
hopelessness
pessimistic outlook
no desire to do everyday activities
appetite changes
apathy
problems with falling asleep and/or sleeping
fatigue
Depression should be diagnosed by psychotherapists. There are no reliable medical tests (like blood testing or X-rays) which can precisely indicate its presence. There are two widely accepted ways of combating depression: using medications and talk therapy. However, some pharmaceuticals may lead to ED or worsen it, so be careful in choosing the right remedy.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Its Causes
The erect penile organ has always been a symbol of sexual prowess, so any problems with achieving and/or maintaining an erection may be perceived as a personal tragedy.
Erectile dysfunction is a multidimensional disorder which may have different causes (organic, psychogenic, and mixed). Organic causes, in their turn, are divided into endocrine and nonendocrine (Faysal A. Yafi et al., Nat Rev Dis Primers, 2017
It should be borne in mind that ED might be a predictor of cardiovascular events. That’s why it is important to conduct a completed diagnosis once a patient notices first warning symptoms.
An interesting tidbit:
Correlation Between ED and Depression
Males suffering from erectile dysfunction often feel anger, sadness, lowered self-esteem, etc. If the condition is left untreated (or treatment doesn’t provide desired help), depression may develop. Vice versa, a depressive disorder may develop first, and ED accompanies it some time after. This may be associated with declining in testosterone production caused by the so-called “bad stress” (while “good stress” boosts synthesis of “T hormone”). According to estimates by some researchers, about 13-20% of men with ED also have anxiety or depression.
Read a closely related topic by Canadian Health Care Mall specialists: Viagra and Antidepressant-Associated Erection Problems
How to Deal with these Problems Simultaneously?
The most important thing is that antidepressants may worsen erection problems. It has been proven that anti-depression pharmaceuticals are often a cause of impotence or its deterioration.
There are two possible scenarios.
The first one: a male had depression and was
prescribed antidepressants which led to ED. Probable solutions: (1) cancel
antidepressants’ administration under a doctor’s guidance, apply for a
psychotherapy or use another alternative method of therapy; (2) continue
therapy with antidepressants in the same or decreased dosages and receive an
anti-ED treatment like Viagra (less preferred option), cancel their intake if
possible or switch to another medicine for treating depression (preferable
options). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a group of
antidepressants that are linked to sexual problems.
The second one: a man developed erection disorder.
Amidst it, a depressive condition appeared. In this case, prescription of meds
for treating depression might lead to exacerbation of ED. The solution is to
treat impotence ASAP and consult a sexologist or psychotherapist.
