Depression & erectile dysfunction linked to each other, say experts

Bhubaneswar: Depression and anxiety are closely associated with erectile dysfunction (ED), with the prevalence of the disorder among men in the 25-40 age group in the state being 10% while among those between 40 and 60 years is 40%, psychiatrists have said.
According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Behavioural Sciences in 2021, sexual dysfunction is present in one-third of the country’s population and it is more pronounced in those suffering from depression.
“Depressive disorder which is characterised by depressed mood, anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), decreased energy levels, sleep, appetite disturbance, ideas of guilt, affect sexual function. Studies carried out in India and western countries revealed a heightened level of sexual dysfunction in depressive people,” the study, authored by Dr Jatin Tarwani, Dr Nimesh Desai and Dr Vijendra Singh, said.
Psychiatrists dealing with complaints of ED have a feeling that it is a classic example of mind-body dualism — depression leads to ED and vice-versa.
“When there is not enough mood-boosting chemicals in brain due to depression or anxiety, ED sets in. Proper blood flow is required in the male genitals for a better sex life,” said Dr Ashrumochan Sahu, senior consultant, psychiatry.