Depression is usually exemplified by sorrow, hopelessness, and feeling disheartened, unenthusiastic, or indifferent about life. This is the depression generally people know. However one of the symptoms you don’t always know about is a lack of interest or pleasure in sex. Though all the effects of depression can be difficult to deal with, this one can be particularly tricky to talk about and it can sometimes be difficult to treat. But for patients with depression, it’s a common experience. Sexual problems, like erectile dysfunction or an incapability to attain an orgasm, generally co-exist with depression.
Sexual desire begins in the brain and works its way down. That's due to particular brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals boost communication between brain cells and activate more blood flow to the sex organs. However, with depression and other mood disorders, the brain circuits which communicate using these chemicals don't work properly. Many people with depression tell of having low or no sexual desire. It puts a considerable strain on intimate relationships.
Antidepressants are very helpful in boosting a person's mood or sense of self-esteem, some types of antidepressants can have unwanted side effects. These side effects may result in sexual problems.
Antidepressants help in boosting mood in people with depression by varying the functioning of brain chemicals or neurotransmitters. These chemicals are also involved in the sexual response. Antidepressants influence nerve pathways that control the sexual response, possibly causing sexual dysfunction. The increased dose of medication may increase the sexual side effects of antidepressants. Antidepressants which affect serotonin are also frequently used to treat untimely ejaculation in men.
Sexual problems with antidepressants can include: