Stress, depression, and anxiety are a kind of negative triple alliance that can greatly affect our lives and health, including even our sexual well-being. Let's start with stress. All of us unwittingly face stress in various areas of life: at work, in relationships, finances, and even during leisure. Stress can cause certain physiological changes in the body, both male and female. This is due to increased secretion of the hormone cortisol, the so-called stress hormone, which can reduce sexual desire and affect erections in men and arousal in women. When a person is in a state of constant stress, his entire body is in a state of a kind of combat readiness, as a result of which the sexual function becomes less of a priority for the body. Chronic stress is especially detrimental to sexual health. When stress hormones kick in, intimacy is replaced by detachment. It's almost impossible to be present - to listen and be interested in the people around you if you're stressed, and even more so to engage in sex.
Depression can also have a serious impact on sexual health. It is important to remember that depression is not just a bad mood and not a gloomy temperament, but a serious mental disorder, a disease that has its own code in the international classification of diseases (ICD-10 depression diagnostic criteria). Depression can affect all aspects of life, including sexual function. Depressed people have reduced interest in sex, the ability to achieve orgasm, and satisfaction from sexual intercourse. In general, the desire for closeness with another person decreases due to the constant feeling of fatigue, low mood, apathy, and loss of interest in life, which usually accompany clinical depression.
Anxiety is another factor that can have a detrimental effect on our sex life and is often underestimated. Anxiety is a variety of numerous fears and worries, an oppressed state when all a person's thoughts are occupied with something negative, for example, if his thoughts revolve around some depressing large-scale event, such as a war or an epidemic, or around any personal failures and problems. It could be low income, subjective personal unattractiveness, being overweight, or a funny twitch. In women, anxiety can cause a decrease in sexual desire and arousal, but the problem appears brighter in men, as the process of achieving an erection suffers. It is worth noting that anxiety associated with sex or intimacy, for example, with the perception of one's own genitals, is especially harmful. A man's constant worry about having a penis that is too small or crooked can negatively affect his ability to achieve an erection and enjoy sex.
The use of Cialis (tadalafil) is often explored in men experiencing erectile dysfunction, which can lead to feelings of insecurity or anxiety. In some cases, men might take Cialis not only to alleviate physical symptoms but also to boost their confidence in sexual situations. However, it's important to note that Cialis is a medication intended to treat specific medical conditions, and any use should be under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
What can you do if you are faced with such problems? Perhaps modern society is too fixated on positivity, and there is an overly widespread belief that you just need to tune in to the good, read affirmations, meditate, and all problems will go away on their own along with negative thoughts. In fact, conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety are medical conditions that are amenable to modern therapy, both with medication and through sessions with professional psychologists or psychotherapists. If you feel like your sex life is suffering from your bad psychological condition, it's important to seek medical help. A doctor may recommend psychotherapy or certain medications, from simple sedatives and sleeping pills to more serious medications such as antidepressants. Despite the fact that antidepressants themselves can have a depressing effect on libido, in the long term, taking them can completely eliminate painful depressive states, after which, when the drug is discontinued, sexual desire will return to the person in full.
However, even before you to the doctor, there are a few things you can do that can improve your mental health and improve your sexual health. First of all, set a normal sleep pattern. It is important to go to bed and get up every day at about the same time, while sleeping at least seven hours, and preferably eight or nine. Yes, we understand that in the modern world that is always rushing forward, this sounds strange, but physiology cannot be deceived. Everybody needs rest. In addition, it is advisable to avoid factors that inhibit the synthesis of melatonin: do not look at gadget screens at least an hour before bedtime. The simplest advice that will improve blood circulation, reduce the production of stress hormones and improve mood is to lead an active lifestyle. Get some exercise, preferably outdoors. Choose what suits you. It can be walking, jogging, playing badminton or ping-pong, swimming or cycling. Avoid junk food. This will reduce dependence on sugar and at the same time relieve you of the painful thoughts that you are a weak-willed sweet tooth. Finally, prioritize your life. It may be better to lower your ambitions and limit your to-do list to only the most important ones. This will help boost both your productivity at work and your mood.
Decreased psychological state is a risk factor for atherosclerosis to a greater extent in men than in women due to hormonal differences. Given the traditionally less attentive attitude of men to their health, they have a high risk of cardiovascular diseases already at a young and mature age. Meanwhile, cardiovascular diseases are an indirect cause of more than 30% of all cases of clinical erectile dysfunction in men over 40 years of age.
While lifestyle changes and self-care strategies can significantly improve mental health and sexual well-being, some individuals may require additional support. In cases of severe or persistent depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions that significantly impact sexual health, medical intervention may be necessary. Antidepressants such as Paxil CR (paroxetine controlled-release) can be effective in treating these conditions. For more information on the benefits and potential side effects of Paxil CR, particularly its impact on sexual health, you may want to explore our comprehensive guide on this medication and its effects on mental and sexual health.