One of the most common dysfunctions in males is erectile dysfunction (ED). It is also called impotence. An estimated 18 million Americans have the condition. These troubles may occur at times but if it happens frequently, it may be a cause of worry. It can affect relationships and the individual’s self-confidence. There are a lot of factors that can be considered why ED happens in an individual including the use of antidepressants such as Zoloft. Also, apart from erectile dysfunction, antidepressants make men prone to heart attack or stroke.
What Might Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Arousal in males involves a lot of components in the body. The body components involved are nerves, hormones, blood vessels, organs and emotions. Erectile dysfunction may happen if a problem exists in any of the mentioned above. It can be due to physical or psychological factors, or can be a combination of the two. Below are some of the factors that can cause erectile dysfunction.
Physical Factors
• Heart Diseases
• Disorders related to blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
• Diabetes
• Low Levels of the Hormones Testosterone
• Certain medications including antidepressants
• Alcohol and substance abuse
• Surgeries involving the groin, pelvic area or spinal cord
• Tobacco use
Psychological
• Stress
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Depression and other mental disorders
• Strains in relationships
Seeing Your Doctor
You might want to call your doctor if you feel that the condition has a toll on your normal functioning as well as your relationships. Depending on the cause of your problem, you can either see a specialist such as a urologist or a general practitioner. Bear in mind that your appointment to your physician can be brief. You might want to save time by listing down all the questions that you want to ask. If you feel that this is a side effect of a medication you’re taking, you can ask your physician for other medications or treatment methods. In people with depression, erectile dysfunction can be due to the antidepressants they’re taking. Zoloft, an antidepressant, has listed impotence as a possible side effect in men whereas Zoloft birth defects have been associated in women who use the drug.


