Depression and erectile dysfunction are distinct and multifactorial conditions. Clinical depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities, feelings of worthlessness, inability to concentrate, and accompanying physical symptoms.
Erectile Dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. However, these different conditions are often more closely related than a person might realize. This is not simply due to overlapping symptoms, unfair stigma, and internalized guilt. Research shows that when one condition occurs, the other often occurs as well.
A group of researchers 2018 decided to analyze all the research on erectile dysfunction and depression to understand how they are related. They analyzed 49 studies and combined the data to find that men with depression have a 39% increased risk of developing erectile dysfunction and that the erectile dysfunction rate is 1%. They further found that men with ED are 192% more likely to develop depression and that men with ED are 92% more likely to develop depression than men without ED. Given these results, the researchers proposed that the relationship between depression and erectile dysfunction is bidirectional. In other words, depression can lead to erectile dysfunction, and erectile dysfunction can lead to depression.
In addition, a recent study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine examined the association between erectile dysfunction, clinical depression, and medical treatment. After analyzing data from more than 16 million men, the researchers found that men with erectile dysfunction were significantly more likely to develop clinical depression than men without ED. However, men who received clinical treatment for their ED saw a decrease in the prevalence of their depression. This research acted to reinforce further what we’ve seen all along, while depression and erectile dysfunction are highly correlated, clinical intervention for one condition can help the other.
If you suffer from erectile dysfunction, depression, or both, seek professional help. These conditions are expected, related, and life-changing, but do not have to be permanent. The right provider can help you understand what is causing your problems and can help you develop a treatment plan that is as comprehensive and varied as the symptoms you experience. Pills like Cenforce 150mg, Fildena 150mg or Vilitra 40mg are also very effective in men with erectile dysfunction which can also reduce the symptoms of depression.
