Understanding the Link Between Depression and Erectile Dysfunction

October 12, 2021

4 mins

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Understanding Depression and its Effect on Sexual Health

Depression is a prevalent mental health condition that negatively affects the way a person feels about themselves and the world around them. Depression is the result of an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Approximately one in every six people will experience depression during their lifetime.

Symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe. Typical depression symptoms include:

• Feelings of sadness and worthlessness

• Loss of interest in activities

• Changes in appetite

• Decreased energy

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Depression can also affect sexual health, specifically with regards to erectile dysfunction (ED). Many people with depression report having low or no sexual desire. Not only is sexual desire impacted by depressive symptoms, but arousal and performance can decrease significantly. 

There is an interesting relationship between depression and ED. The chemical imbalance sends mixed signals from the brain to the penis, affecting arousal. This can lead a man to feel self-conscious and anxious, potentially increasing depressive symptoms.

Unraveling the Mechanisms: The Science Behind Depression and Erectile Dysfunction

According to a 2018 study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, men who are experiencing depression are 39% more likely to develop ED than men who are not.

There are currently three theories about what links depression to ED. These include:

• Behavioral: Negative thoughts caused by depression can lead to performance anxiety in the bedroom, which restricts erectile function.

• Low testosterone: Testosterone plays a key role in sexual performance, as the hormone is responsible for sex drive and triggering an erection. Depression upsets the balance of hormones in the body — including testosterone — therefore correlating with ED. 

• Antidepressants: One-third of people with depression are prescribed antidepressant medications. Common side effects include low libido and decreased ability to have or maintain an erection.

The link from depression to ED occurs in reverse as well. ED can lead to depression because men may associate feelings of low confidence and embarrassment with deficient sexual performance, thus making them more vulnerable to depressive symptoms.

According to Urology Associates Medical Group, over 80% of men diagnosed with ED without previous experience of depression reported symptoms of the mental health condition after the onset of ED.

The negative feedback loop of ED leading to depression and depression leading to ED can be daunting to men experiencing symptoms of either. Fortunately, there are several treatment options to get you back to feeling your best, in and out of the bedroom.

Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Treating Depression and Erectile Dysfunction

Getting to the root of the issue by addressing depression is the best way to alleviate both conditions. That being said, there are additional options available to treat the symptoms of ED, including prescription ED medications. 

Depressive symptoms can be difficult to handle, so seeking treatment is very important. Some of the several treatment options include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a common form of talk therapy where the patient works with a therapist in a structured way to help them become aware of negative or inaccurate thinking, preparing them to respond effectively in challenging situations.

• Interpersonal therapy: This 12 to 16 week treatment for depression addresses interpersonal issues through specific techniques to understand the issues, find adjustments in addressing them, and then apply the adjustments in real life. 

• Antidepressant medication: These prescription medications are used to treat clinical depression. The most common types of antidepressants are s​​elective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

It is important to mention the possibility of SSRIs impacting your sexual health. SSRIs have been reported to cause sexual dysfunction in over 40% of individuals, which may exacerbate depression. 

Seeking professional help from your healthcare provider is key to managing depression and ED. Your healthcare provider can help develop the right treatment plan for you.

Lifestyle changes

Making certain lifestyle changes can also help to alleviate depression symptoms and improve sexual function. These habits include:

• Exercising regularly

• Eating a healthy diet

• Getting enough sleep

• Avoiding excess alcohol and recreational drugs

• Learning to recognize your depressive triggers

Having open communication with your sexual partner can also help in coping with the symptoms of depression that are related to ED. Couples therapy can also be a productive approach to keeping the conversation open and non-judgemental.

Seeking Support: Coping Strategies and Resources

Depression can be detrimental to a person’s well being, especially when coupled with symptoms of ED and impaired sexual health. Overcoming depression can positively impact sexual health.

Seeking support from loved ones, support groups, and healthcare providers is essential to managing the two conditions simultaneously. Destigmatizing mental health and sexual issues will make it easier to take the first step toward recovery. 

REX MD can help you get your sexual health on track with our ED medications and create an open dialogue around your mental health.