Negative Effects of Depressive Disorders in Both Men and Women

Despite the presence of social stigma, depressive disorder is a very common health problem. In accordance with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), roughly one in 30 Individuals in America over the age of 14 has some form of depressive disorders.

As the NIMH (National Institute of Medical Health) claims a higher epidemic in females, the truth is depressive disorders can easily develop in any individual and all age groups. The particular types of depressive disorders include:

• depression symptoms coupled with panic attacks
• BPD (Bipolar Disorder)
• major melancholy
• chronic depression symptoms (symptoms last for a couple of years)
• postpartum anxiety (occurs in females after having a baby)
• psychotic depressive disorders
• periodic affective condition (occurs during the winter season)

For those afflicted, having depressive disorders means a lot more than just feeling blue - it may cause a range of signs and symptoms, such as reproductive health issues. (NIDDK Source 1)

Gender Differences and Symptoms 

Both women and men may feel issues with beginning and enjoying sexual intercourse because of depressive disorders. Still, there are several variations in the ways depressive disorders affect men and women. (ClevelandClinic Source)

Women
As reported by the NIMH, a higher rate of depressive disorders in women of all ages is linked to hormonal changes. This is the reason a woman’s risk of depressive disorders may boost:
during menopause or perimenopause
when keeping up with family, work, and home life
before and during menstruation
after having a baby
A woman is most likely to have chronic “bluesy” ailments that can certainly make them feel less worthy and less confident. Most of these feelings may significantly change the overall romantic endeavors.
As a woman get older, bodily factors will make the sexual activity less pleasurable (and sometimes even agonizing). Changes in the vaginal walls will make sexual practice uncomfortable. On top of that, 'abnormal' amounts of estrogen may interrupt organic lubrication. (WomenHealth.Gov)

Men
Stress, low self-esteem, and a sense of guilt are typical causes of erection dysfunction. Most of these are all signs of depressive disorders. However, such complications may also occur normally with age and stress. The NIMH clarifies that males are also more prone to get bored in activities during depressive disorders. This could possibly also signify that males might not find sexual intercourse as enticing.

In males, anti-depressants tend to be related to erectile dysfunction. Delayed ejaculation or early ejaculation will occur, too. (Hall-Flavin, D.K. 2014, November 25)

In both women and men, having problems with reproductive health may intensify the feelings of worthlessness and some other depressive disorders symptoms. This, in turn, may cause a vicious loop of both worsening depression symptoms and erectile dysfunction.

Treatment Solutions

The treatment of major depression is just one way for you to get over erectile dysfunction. The fact is, according to a research study released by American Family Physicians, 70 % of adults dealing with depressive disorders without treatment had issues with sex drive.
Still, the condition may not usually resolve in grown-ups who do receive depression treatment. If your health care provider confirms that erectile dysfunction is actually an adverse reaction of any antidepressant you are using, they would possibly switch you to a different treatment. Nefazodone (Serzone), bupropion (Wellbutrin) and Mirtazapine (Remeron) don't usually trigger negative sexual effects.
Besides adjustments and changes within standard depression treatment, there are some other things you can do, which may possibly improve overall reproductive health:
Get some exercise regularly to strengthen physical wellbeing and mood.
Ask the health provider about adding a medicine for lovemaking function (for example, the blue pill for men).
Use antidepressant right after engaging in sexual intercourse.
Talk to your spouse about how your depression symptoms are affecting your reproductive health.