When it comes to erectile dysfunction (ED) and depression and anxiety many are questioning which came first, “the chicken or the egg”.  Did the ED cause the depression or did the depression cause the ED?  Some studies have reported that exposure to depression increases the risk of ED, whereas others have observed no association. Moreover, other studies have reported that exposure to ED does in fact increase the risk of depression and it is no surprise as to why.

It is not uncommon for men with erectile dysfunction to be frustrated, sad, angry, and even insecure. If these feelings are not dealt with it, it can easily lead to clinical depression. Depression is an illness resulting in feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and an overall feeling of pessimism.

Is there a link between depression and sexual dysfunction? Studies say yes. Research show that 35 – 47 percent of people suffering from depression have sexual problems. To make matters worse, if you are taking antidepressant medications, 40 percent of those individuals report decline in sexual satisfaction.

The sexual urge that causes men to have an erection begins in the brain. When depression is at play, the chemicals in the brain are out of balance which can result in the inability to obtain an erection because the needed brain chemicals to stimulate blood flow in the penis are not functioning correctly.

To further expand on how the brain can affect men’s sexual performance, when one is under stress due to depression or anxiety, your body releases a chemical called cortisol. Cortisol constricts the blood vessels in the penis. When this happens, blood cannot flow freely which would compromise the ability to obtain an erection. Over time, increased cortisol can decrease the levels of testosterone in the body which further worsens the ED situation.

Whether or not the ED is created by the depression or the ED is causing the depression, the first step for men is to see a healthcare specialist who can first and foremost treat the depression and its symptoms. Once the depression is being treated and you still are being affected by ED, then it is time to seek additional evaluation and treatment for the ED.

Given the psychological consequences of ED, it is not surprising that men have difficulty accepting they have ED and seek therapy.  Disappointment, shame, and embarrassment often deter men from finding solutions. Many men look to typical medical interventions such as pills, pumps, and injections.  Despite the efficacy of these treatments, 30 – 50 percent of men stop using them after the first year.   

The good news is there is a solution to treating ED that is 82% effective without the need for pills, pumps, and injections. The solution is pain-free, and results are usually noticed only after two treatment sessions.