Depression and ED

People with depression experience a reduction in, or absence of, pleasure or interest in activities that formerly interested them or gave them pleasure. Interest in sex and enjoyment of sexual relations can be affected by depression. When a person loses interest in sex or is unable to experience pleasure, the person’s sexual partner is also affected.

Depression often strains relationships, making sexual relations even more challenging.

The loss of ability to experience pleasure may lead to a decreased desire for sexual relations. A loss of libido is not uncommon. In men, loss of libido can be linked to erectile dysfunction. Men with depression may experience impotence, which can trigger a vicious cycle of sexual performance anxiety, followed by renewed erectile dysfunction, which only makes performance anxiety worse.

Depression and sexual dysfunction

Experts estimate that over half of people with depression will experience sexual dysfunction. Men may experience erectile dysfunction (impotence), a decline in sexual desire, and difficulties with ejaculation. Among men, the rate of sexual dysfunction is estimated to be between 23-50 percent.

Modern antidepressant medications—mainly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class drugs—have transformed depression treatments. These drugs are often effective at relieving the symptoms of depression, with the added benefit that they tend to have fewer side effects than older medications, such as the tricyclic antidepressants.

But when it comes to sexual health, modern antidepressants (especially SSRIs) can be part of the problem for the patients who take them, because sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of these drugs. The most common side effect is an adverse effect on sexual desire, and delayed or absent orgasm. Men may also experience difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection. Higher doses of medication tend to be linked to greater sexual dysfunction.

Side effects such as sexual dysfunction can often be addressed by adjusting the dosage or switching to a different medication. Some antidepressant drugs are associated with fewer sexual side effects than others.

The treating physician may also recommend medication that can help men achieve and maintain an erection. Drugs such as sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) may help men counteract the sexual dysfunction associated with SSRI use. All natural products such as HeezOn® from Magenta Pharma may also counter these effects.

Excerpt from our interview with Robert, who uses HeezOn® to address the effects of his anti-depressant medication:

 

Did you notice any effect on your sexual function when taking anti-depressant medications? What were they?

“The biggest effect was I found it inhibited orgasm. And when I did have an orgasm it was not as intense as I am used to.”

Did your doctor prescribe any additional medications to counter these effects?

“No additional medication was prescribed by my doctor.”

What was your experience when taking HeezOn? Did did you notice a difference in your level of sexual desire? How quickly did you notice a difference?

“I have always desired sex so there was no decrease in desire. However, after taking HeezOn for two weeks I definitely started noticing an increase in intensity in orgasm. I could also reach an orgasm quicker than before.What was the most noticeable difference with HeezOn?

“I found that HeezOn had a positive effect in counteracting the symptoms caused by the anti depressants.”

Would you recommend HeezOn to other men who are experiencing a loss in libido?

“Yes I would and in fact have recommended HeezOn to my friends.”