Depression and Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Although there are many medical causes, research has shown that men with ED may be twice as likely to develop clinical depression compared to those without ED.

Depression and the accompanying erectile dysfunction are treatable. The first step in overcoming depression is to be honest with yourself, your partner, and your doctor. When depression is talked about, it will be easier to deal with and less stressful.

Depression is a disease characterized by constant sadness, a feeling of hopelessness and a pessimistic mood.

Depression affects the way a person feels and thinks about life. Depressed people can't just pick themselves up and get better. Without treatment, symptoms of depression can last for months or even years. However, the right treatment can help most people with depression get back on track.

Psychological causes are more common at a young age. In this case, the development of the disease can be influenced by psychological trauma experienced in childhood, strict upbringing, random failures, poor sexual life conditions or undeveloped relationships with a partner. Almost all causes of psychological tension can become the cause of erectile dysfunction: stress, worries, sadness, depression, fears, especially constant ones.

If you have erectile dysfunction and think you are depressed, don't stay silent. Depression is not a sign of personal weakness. Tell your doctor how you feel so you can feel like yourself again.

There is no single test that can diagnose depression; however, there are certain patterns that doctors look for to make a diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you a few questions about this. Be honest with your answers so you can get the help you need.

Treatment for depression may include medication, psychotherapy (talk therapy), or a combination of the two.

Many different medications are used to treat depression, including Prozac, Zoloft, Elavil, and Wellbutrin. Some antidepressants can cause or worsen ED, so be honest with your doctor about your condition so they can prescribe the right treatment.

Talk Therapy: During therapy, a licensed and trained mental health professional helps identify and resolve issues related to ED and depression. Types of talk therapy include couples therapy, individual therapy, and group therapy.

The active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil, belongs to a group of so-called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It blocks the enzyme phosphodiesterase, which normally breaks down a substance called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (CGMF). During normal sexual stimulation, CGMF is produced in the penis and relaxes the corpora cavernosa muscle. As a result, blood begins to flow to this muscle, which causes an erection. By inhibiting the breakdown of cGMP, Viagra restores erectile function, although sexual stimulation is necessary to achieve an erection.

Viagra was more effective than placebo in all studies. When answering the questionnaire question about how often they were able to perform sexual intercourse, the patients who did not take any medication evaluated the result by about 2 points, and the patients who took Viagra 50 mg -3-4 points. In constant-dose studies, 62 percent reported improved erections. (those who took the 25 mg dose), 74 percent. (those who took the 50 mg dose) and 82 percent. (100 mg dose) patients compared to 25 percent. placebo-treated patients.