Male depression and sexuality
Some 50-90% of men suffering from depression also experience sexual problems. Such sexual problems can either be a result of male depression or one of the triggers for it.
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Feeling blue, more than a bit down, depressed … the symptoms of declining mental wellbeing are profound sadness, increased irritability, loss of interest, constant tiredness and sometimes a lack of libido or sexual performance.
It’s estimated that some 15-25% of men suffer from depression – more serious than simply feeling blue and not at all a passing whim.
Depression can however, be treated with medication and/or psychologically. And in the case of men, professional help should also be sought to understand and overcome the sexual difficulties often linked to male depression.
The vicious circle of male depression and sexual problems
Across developed countries, depression affects nearly one in five women and at least one in ten men during their lifetime.
However, men are more reluctant to discuss psychological problems, perhaps due to upbringing or maybe more general male stereotypes. As a result, the depression will sometimes only becomes apparent when there are physical symptoms, or even an attempted suicide.
In addition to the general symptoms, 90% of men suffering from major depression and 54% of those suffering from moderate depression also experience erectile dysfunction (ED).1
But the relationship between ED and depression isn’t unidirectional; it is what is called, a dynamic (bi-directional) relationship.
- On the one hand, depression can cause erectile problems due to a loss of interest in sex2, a decrease in testosterone (concentration of male sexual hormones)3 or a change in the couple’s relationship;
- On the other hand, erectile problems can themselves trigger a depressive episode;
- Finally, erectile problems can be caused by antidepressants. Erectile dysfunction is a reported side effect of most available medication.4
All too often male patients stop taking their anti-depressant medication because of these unpleasant side effects to their sexuality. However, left untreated, depression can have very dramatic consequences. So how do you break this vicious circle?
Don’t stop taking your antidepressants
To ensure that you receive the proper treatment for your depression, you need to talk to your doctor about any unpleasant side effects of your medication. Stopping the treatment cold turkey because you’re having sexual problems isn’t the answer and can be dangerous to your mental health.
The impaired quality of life, the psychological and emotional impact on a couple’s relationship combined with the very real distress experienced by those suffering from both depression and erectile dysfunction should be enough to persuade men to seek medical help and encourage them to break the taboo surrounding sexual dysfunction. Overcoming one’s reluctance to talk is a first step towards finding a solution.
A change of antidepressants and/or a specific treatment for erectile dysfunction can then be recommended. Research is ongoing in the field to try and discover better medication to treat both male depression and erectile dysfunction
And doctors no longer ignore these kinds of sexual problems that are often an early indication of depression. Given its adverse effect of quality of life, it is now apparent that a more holistic approach to treating erectile dysfunction and male depression is the order of the day.
Don’t hesitate to speak with a medical professional if you suspect you may be depressed or have “unexplained” erectile dysfunction. Help is available.
For more on male depression read the articles linked below, or visit The Royal College of Psychiatrists website
1. J Urol 1994; 151: 54-61
2. Int J impot Res 1998: 10; S131-S133
3. Psychsom Med 1999; 61(3): 292-296
4. Am J Psychiatry 2001 Oct; 158 910): 1623-30
Copyright © 2009 Doctissimo
Posted 05.10.2011
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