Why does depression cause low sexual desire?.. this is how you get rid of its effects
We all get sad from time to time, but depression not only affects our general mood, but it may lead to the disruption of some body functions, one of which is sexual functions.
Depression leads to sexual problems such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and the inability to orgasm, but the good news is that doctors can treat these sexual problems that result from depression, according to Web MD.
What is the relationship between depression and sexual problems?
To understand the relationship between depression and sexual problems, we must think of the brain as a highly sensitive sexual organ. Sexual desire starts first in the brain and then makes its way to the genitals, but how does this happen?
This is due to the presence of substances in the brain called neurotransmitters, which are responsible for the emergence of sexual desire.
These neurotransmitters increase the communication of brain cells with each other, stimulating more blood to reach the genitals, and from here sexual desire arises.
And when depression or any mood disorder occurs, the brain circuits that are related to stimulating these chemicals do not perform their functions well, so we find many women and men when they become depressed, their sexual desire decreases, and this puts a great burden on intimate relationships between couples.
Relationship between antidepressants and decreased libido
When an individual becomes depressed and goes to a psychiatrist who prescribes some antidepressants for him, they have a very positive effect on his general mood, but the exact opposite happens with sexual desire.
Some types of antidepressants, especially "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors", have side effects such as problems with sexual desire.
Antidepressants have a positive effect on people with depression by altering the functions of neurotransmitters, but this process has the opposite effect on sexual desire.
Antidepressants affect the nerve pathways that regulate sexual response, causing sexual dysfunction, and sexual side effects increase with the increase in the dose of drugs antidepressant;
On the contrary, some types of antidepressants that affect serotonin are often used as a treatment for premature ejaculation in men.
Sexual problems related to depression
Inability to initiate or enjoy sexual intercourse
Erectile dysfunction or delayed ejaculation in men
- Decreased sexual desire
Inability to reach orgasm
Treating sexual problems related to depression
If an individual is depressed and notices a decrease in interest in intimacy or problems with sexual performance, it is important to speak with a doctor to make sure that these sexual problems are caused by depression or antidepressants, and not by any other medical cause.
Talking with the doctor is very important. If the cause is antidepressants, the doctor can try some other antidepressants that do not calm the sexual desire or response; Or he may prescribe another drug to counteract the side effects of antidepressants, which the individual can take along with antidepressants without a problem.
The most important step is for the individual to openly talk to the doctor about sexual problems caused by depression or antidepressants. Without this, the doctor will not be able to prescribe treatment.