Sexual performance problems can happen at any time but in many cases, they occur at the same time as other issues. This is especially true when it comes to mental or emotional issues such as depression, anxiety or high levels of stress.  In many cases, a man can begin experiencing stress at work which then triggers an episode of early ejaculation which then snowballs into full on depression as he finds he can’t resolve the problem on his own. 

The Domino Effect

One problem leading to another is nothing new – it happens to everyone at one point or another. When it comes to health, one problem can easily cause or exacerbate another. Depression, anxiety and stress all have a way of working their way into our lives and causing a variety of problems. Weight gain, high blood pressure, anger issues and sexual dysfunctions can all often be traced back to these three common causes, but could they provide insight into effective treatment as well?

While there are several things that link together stress, anxiety, depression and physical health one of the most pivotal is serotonin. Serotonin is a naturally occurring biochemical the body creates and which affects a person’s mood, sleep cycles, mental acuity and sexual performance. Simply put, it’s what keeps people on an even keel. When these levels are disrupted or altered, problems can occur. For patients with depression, anti-depressants are prescribed which block some of the serotonin from being reabsorbed which, in turn, maintains higher levels in the brain. This helps to elevate a person’s mood and, at the same time, causes a common side effect of delayed ejaculation in men.

For men dealing with depression and early ejaculation, this side effect is beneficial. It makes it easier for them to control their orgasm and, over time, they can gain a better understanding of the physical cues their body gives as they approach climax. As their depression is addressed and they begin to get weaned off of these medications, the hope is that they can then regain full orgasmic control without the need of any medication. This adjustment can be difficult at first but men who see the process through often find they are able to improve their stamina and energy once they come off the medications.

There are also men who aren’t necessarily dealing with depression but who have found themselves struggling with regular bouts of early ejaculation. Since antidepressants are not often prescribed for off label treatments, these men must look for alternatives to help them gain better control of when they climax. In these cases, 5-HTP is often their first choice.

5-HTP, the shorter name for 5-hydroxytryptamine, is a dietary supplement that helps to boost serotonin levels naturally.  Although this helps to support serotonin levels naturally, it still can carry some side effects of its own. These include heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea and other forms of stomach upset. This is why it’s important for men to schedule an appointment with their regular doctor before beginning any sort of supplement – so that potential side effects can be dealt with and to prevent negative interactions with any other medication you may be on.

Finding an effective treatment for early ejaculation often means delving into dealing with other issues which may be affecting the problem or making it worse. Anti-depressant, dietary supplements and various forms of therapy can all be used to address the issue directly as well as developing a long term plan for treatment and maintenance. This approach works well for many men as it gives them a chance to deal with the immediate problem of sexual performance while also addressing the deeper and more complicated issues. This treatment approach can be time consuming but, ultimately, it offers the best chance for long term success.