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Depression in men related to Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) also known as Impotence, affects approximately 30 million American males and their partners lives. The term Erectile Dysfunction covers a wide range of disorders, including curvature of the penis during erection, prolonged painful erection not associated with sexual desire and premature ejaculation. But it usually refers to the inability of sexually active men to acquire and sustain an erection for sexual purposes.

Although erectile dysfunction is more common in men older than 65, it can occur at any age. In fact, in most cases it’s nothing to be worried about. As men age, it's also normal to experience changes in erectile dysfunction. Stress, fatigue and anxiety can also affect the body's response to sexual stimulation. The problem occurs when this lack of response happens persistently and on a regular basis for more than 25 percent of the time.

In the era of 70’s it was a taboo for most of the men and their partners to utter or discuss about it. There was very less diagnostic, testing and treatments options available. According to the new study, the likelihood of erectile dysfunction occurring is significantly increased for those suffering from depression. Reporting in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, researchers from the Massachusetts Male Aging Studies found that erectile dysfunction is nearly twice as likely in men who have symptoms of depression compared to those who don't. Researchers are still looking for connection of depressive symptoms and erectile dysfunction; however, there may be many other contributing factors as well, including cardiac and blood pressure medications, other medical illnesses, and drug and alcohol use.

The symptoms of clinical depression include a depressed mood, which people may describe as feeling sad, blue, or low, or not being able to feel anything. People lose interest in most other things; they may also lose interest in sexual activities, so there is a decreased sexual desire. It is frustrating, embarrassing and depressing. Your sexual partner may have become distant or indifferent, thinking that you have lost interest in them. It can create chaos in your sexual relationship and your self-esteem as well as your partners.

Almost 95 percent of ED (erectile dysfunction) cases are treatable. If a person is experiencing mild to moderate depression, psychotherapy might be helpful. If it is a moderate to severe depression, medication probably will be a necessary part of the treatment. The erectile problems due to the depression are probably more significant than what might be due to the medication. For this and other reasons, it is important to treat the depression.

For drug therapies Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Viagra in 1998. Doctors have written millions of prescriptions for the blue, diamond-shaped tablets. But Viagra is not the only pill; there are several other generic, herbal medication options. These medications share many similarities, but they have differences as well. They vary in dosage, duration of effectiveness and possible side- effects. No study has compared any of these medications as yet. Although these medications can help many people, but not all men can or should take them to treat erectile dysfunction.

There are other alternatives options you have like needle-injection therapy, hormone replacement therapy, vacuum devices, vascular surgery, penile implants, psychological counseling. Although most men experience episodes of erectile dysfunction from time to time, you can take these cautions to decrease the likelihood of occurrences like limit or avoid the use of alcohol, stop smoking, exercise regularly, reduce stress, Get enough sleep, deal with anxiety or depression.

Whether the cause of erectile dysfunction is physical or psychological or even a combination of both, it can become a source of mental and emotional stress for a man — and his partner. Don’t suffer in silence; try to communicate openly and honestly about your condition, seek consultation and counseling. Don't view one episode of erectile dysfunction as a lasting comment on your health. Try to maintain this communication throughout the diagnosis and treatment process. In fact, treatment is often more successful if couples work together as a team which may help improve their sexual life.