Depression - How It Creates Trouble in Sex Life?

Sometimes, depression and problems in bed influences each other. Intimacy complications, such as anorgasmia (inability to orgasm), or erectile dysfunction, often exist side-by-side with depression. Blame it on today’s fast paced lifestyle or unhealthy habits that a major portion of couple population suffers from this dual issue. So much so that sometimes it results in a sour break up of relationships. However, doctors can normally treat depression-related sexual problems. 

The Connection Between Depression and Sexual Problems 

Let us view our brain as a highly responsive sex organ. The sexual desire begins in our brain and then travels down our body through neurotransmitters or primary brain chemicals. These chemicals are responsible in increasing communication between our brain cells and triggering more blood flow to our sex organs. With depression, this communication between brain cells doesn’t happen, and thus pops up the problem. This lack of communication causes sexual problems. Many women and men with depression complain about having no or low sexual desire. And this can create an emotional turbulence in relationships. 

Antidepressants and Sexual Problems 

Antidepressants are extremely helpful in boosting your mood or sense of self-regard. However, certain kinds of antidepressants, such as Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, have unsatisfactory side effects; sexual mostly. Antidepressants work by altering the chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters). These same neurotransmitters are involved in sexual activity. Sexual dysfunction occurs when antidepressants alter the nerve pathways that channel sexual response. 

Side effects of Antidepressants 

Antidepressants may cause the following sexual problems: 

1. Inability to enjoy or initiate sex 
2. Delayed ejaculation or premature ejaculation in men 
3. Erectile Dysfunction where the man becomes incapable of attaining of holding on to an erection. 
4. Reduced sexual desire 
5. Inability to orgasm 

The Solution

If you notice issues in sexual functioning or decreased interest in sex while suffering from depression, consulting your doctor is important. With consultation, you and your doctor will be able to figure out whether the cause of your sexual problem is 

• depression, 
• the antidepressants that were prescribed or 
• any other medical cause. 

Luckily, there are many ways to counter antidepressant-induced sexual side effects without compromising on your treatment for depression. Your doctor may either prescribe different antidepressants that prevent loss of libido, or give you medicines that you can take along with the antidepressant. Hiding your problems, or being ashamed of them won’t help you. I have been helping couples in coming out of depression induced sexual problems for past 10 years. You should first talk freely with your partner and then see me for a solution for your problem.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!