The effect of stress on male potency
Stress causes the release of cortisol and adrenaline. These are hormones whose task is to maintain the body in times of danger. Adrenaline causes breathing and heart rate to increase, and blood pressure to rise. Cortisol suppresses the immune system, speeds up metabolic processes, and increases blood sugar levels. From a physiological point of view, one-time bursts are not dangerous for the body. However, if this happens on a regular basis, the functioning of many systems is disrupted. Main signs of chronic stress:
- Constant headaches;
- Discomfort from the gastrointestinal tract, since cortisol provokes ulceration of the mucous membranes;
- Decreased immunity;
- Apathy and depression.
During stress, the pituitary gland also releases prolactin, a hormone that also suppresses reproductive function, and testosterone levels drop. This is a kind of protective mechanism, a way to save energy that will be required to overcome a difficult period. The result of prolonged or frequent stress is a decrease in libido and worsening erection.
Chronic stress leads to vasospasm. Due to their constant compression, the elasticity of the walls decreases, blood circulation is disrupted, which worsens erectile function. Increased pressure during stress wears out the heart as it has to forcefully push blood through. Pumping function is also reduced. As a result, even in the presence of sexual arousal, an erection will no longer reach its maximum due to a lack of blood supply to the cavernous bodies.
Diabetes mellitus often develops from the constant active release of glucose into the blood against the background of chronic stress. This disease is almost always accompanied by erectile dysfunction.
Read how diabetes affects male potency.
The psychological state also contributes to the lack of sexual desire. A one-time strong shock can lead to a deterioration in potency. This could be an event that has nothing to do with sex, but which for some time disrupted the usual perception of the world, for example, an accident, loss of a job, the death of a loved one.
The body copes with life-threatening stress much faster and more painlessly than with those that arise against the background of self-analysis. It is deep convictions, moral and ethical experiences and anxiety that lead to psychosomatic pathologies.
Urologist Ekaterina Aleksandrovna Makarova on the effect of stress on a man’s sex life
The effect of depression on potency
Depression is a type of mental disorder characterized by constant depressed mood, low self-esteem, and the development of fears. Men often fall into depression during a midlife crisis. Depression can occur for no reason, simply against the backdrop of reassessment of values, fear of aging, or “burnout” at work. Main signs of depression:
- Lack of joy and satisfaction from everything that previously brought pleasure.
- Suicidal thoughts.
- Lack of energy for physical activity, feeling exhausted.
- Eating disorders: overeating or starvation.
- Increased irritability, outbursts of aggression.
- Pain that does not respond to conventional treatment.
- Reckless behavior.
Depression is not related to cortisol, which is produced during chronic stress. The level of this hormone increases as a consequence and is not the root cause. The main provoking factor of depression is the increased activity of the pituitary-adrenal system, which is forced to work in an enhanced mode. This can happen not only due to excessive soul-searching, but also, for example, due to a low-carb diet. In depressed men, sex may be present periodically, but it is not enjoyable, which makes it even more annoying.
Why is it common for a woman to worry?
Compared to men, women's nerves are weaker and any unpleasant news can cause deep stress. Experts say that these are not just the whims of ladies who are eager to attract attention. The problem lies in the physiology of the female body.
- Particular attention should be paid to renal failure. When the adrenal glands are not working at full capacity or their functioning is impaired, a person becomes more tired. It is difficult for a woman in such a situation to bear any load. She quickly becomes overtired, resulting in a feeling of stress.
- The fair half of society more often develop problems with the functioning of the digestive tract. Excessive nervousness in this case is a companion to the problem.
- Girls have a more sensitive nervous system, which makes them more susceptible to irritants.
- Girls are prone to rheumatoid arthritis, which is a source of headaches, which can also be annoying and cause a lot of dissatisfaction. It is these factors that directly influence the development of a nervous disorder.
Restoring potency after stress and depression
Potency will restore itself if a man can cope with his condition and wants to look for a way out of it. It can be very difficult to do this on your own, but there is always a way out and help from specialists.
Who to contact: if potency decreases due to stress and depression, contact a sexologist or psychologist. For your initial appointment, it is advisable to go to an andrologist or endocrinologist to check your hormone levels. Below are the doctor's advice to a man with stress-induced decreased potency.
From the forum https://sprosivracha.com/questions/111125-iz-za-stressa-i-dlitelnogo-vozderzhaniya-problemy-s-erekciey:
Based on the level of hormones and blood sugar, the doctor will get an approximate idea of the nature of the potency disorder. If the triggering factors are stress or depression, the patient will be referred to a psychologist.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapists and sexologists use various methods of stress relief, which they choose depending on the patient’s condition. The most commonly used form is an individual conversation. This is not talking with friends, but working on yourself. There will be no ready-made solutions, but a psychologist will help you find the root of the problem and suggest ways to solve it.
The method of suggestion works well on emotional men. Installations are given to the patient in reality or in a state of hypnotic sleep. There is also a method of psychoanalysis, during which the psychologist draws conclusions based on a study of associations and dreams of his client.
Airat Akhmadullovich Zaripov, psychiatrist, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist, clearly shows how to work with stress
Drugs
If potency is impaired due to stress or depression, antidepressants, sedatives, vitamins, and PDE-5 inhibitors are used. Of the latter, sildenafil and tadalafil are most often recommended. These drugs help strengthen and maintain an erection in cases of failure anticipation syndrome, stress due to a scandal with a partner, as well as in situations where the penis falls during sex.
Nootropics are prescribed to improve brain activity and increase concentration. The most common and safe drug is glycine, which is included in many dietary supplements, for example, “Ginkgo biloba with glycine and vitamin B.”
The anxiolytic Afobazol is sold without a prescription. The drug helps reduce the level of chronic stress. After 2-4 weeks, increased anxiety goes away, sleep normalizes, and attacks of aggression disappear.
Price of the sedative drug “Afobazol” from 367 rubles
Supplements with chamomile, sage, valerian, and motherwort help reduce stress. Herbal adaptogens: tinctures of ginseng and eleutherococcus contribute to increased vitality and physical activity. Bee tincture has the same effect. The effect is achieved only with a course of treatment, at least 21 days.
In severe cases, antidepressants and antipsychotics are prescribed. These drugs are prescription drugs. The selection of antidepressants is based on the results of the intake. During treatment, the doctor, if necessary, changes or combines them with others. Neuroleptics have an inhibitory effect and have a number of side effects.
Physical activity
Physical exercise helps normalize hormonal levels, improve mood, relieve muscle tension and spasms. However, it is important not to introduce new stress to the body, this time physical, otherwise the level of cortisol will only increase. No to long, exhausting cardio marathons and working with heavy weights, yes to moderate, feasible exercise. Team sports are good stress relievers, as well as swimming, brisk walking, and yoga.
Healthy sleep
Insomnia provokes lack of sleep, which means inevitable hormonal imbalance, increased irritability, decreased concentration and libido. Ideally, a person should sleep 8 hours: from 23 to 7 am. During this period, all phases of sleep are realized, the necessary hormones are produced, cell regeneration occurs, including brain cells, and stress levels decrease.
SPA treatments
Various types of massage, baths, and aromatherapy effectively help cope with stress. The brain receives a signal of pleasure and begins to produce corresponding hormones. The more pleasant procedures there are, the stronger the tendency to reduce stress.
Acupuncture is an effective anti-stress treatment.
Nutrition
When you are stressed and depressed, it is important to give up alcohol and nicotine, which make it difficult to look at the situation objectively. It is better to replace energy drinks, strong tea and coffee with herbal teas and cocoa. The nervous system does not need harsh stimulation.
You should include more foods with magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins in your diet. They will help stabilize the nervous system by regulating biochemical processes. Bananas, green leafy vegetables, brown rice, pumpkin seeds, legumes, fatty fish, dark chocolate are healthy.
