How does depression affect men’s sexual health? Depression and mental health issues have a connotation associated with them, so many people do not admit they are having problems or seek help. However, most depression can be easily treated.
Depression affects both men and women, but data suggests depression affects women two times greater than men. But because of the stigma associated with depression, men are less likely to report it or seek the help they need. This can lead to feelings of anger, lack of self-worth, and a decrease in enjoyment which impacts your quality of life.
What Causes Depression?
Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. A decrease in hormones and other chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, are the direct causes of depression. These chemicals are needed to stimulate sexual desire. In addition, sexual desire, or libido, are needed to help the sexual organs be ready for intimacy.
Without these chemicals, blood flow to the sexual organs is diminished leading to issues with erectile dysfunction, lack of enjoyment, anxiety, and feelings of guilt. It can be a vicious cycle. The more stress, worthlessness, or shame a person feels, the more issues with sexual health he has.
Depression is impacted by stress, nutritional health, and overall feelings about one’s body or self-esteem. In fact, depression often enhances these feelings too. Again, the vicious cycle continues.
So, what are the Treatment Options?
Most antidepressants used in medicine today address at least one of these chemicals. But most of antidepressants can affect men’s sexual health by causing many untoward sexual side effects. Some of these side effects are:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Decreased inability to have an orgasm
- Premature ejaculation
- A decrease in libido
The side effects can often increase the issues men have while being depressed. Some antidepressants are less likely to cause these problems. Still, there is no guarantee these antidepressants would not cause the same issues.
Other treatments are used to treat depression without the use of antidepressants. For example, at Niva Health, we offer acupuncture therapy to help with depression. And nutrition plays a prominent role in depression too. Niva Health addresses this issue too.
If you want more information about how Niva Health can help you, please call (866) 377-5872 and request a free consultation. You can also request a consultation with our convenient online consultation form.
There is no need for you to suffer from depression any longer. Instead, call Niva Health and let us provide the treatment you need and get you back on your feet.
