FrankTalk.org

The warning is always that SSRI antidepressants can cause ED symptoms,but I was wondering if they could paradoxically help it if your ED is psychogenic and caused by anxiety and stress?

What is the verdict?

Never_Enough wrote:The warning is always that SSRI antidepressants can cause ED symptoms, but I was wondering if they could paradoxically help it if your ED is psychogenic and caused by anxiety and stress?

What is the verdict?

Here's my personal experience.
In 2018 I started taking 10mg Paroxetine daily as recommended by my doctor to help with my PE (Premature Ejaculation).
When I told my wife, who is a psych nurse she emphatically said, No bad idea.
I started them anyway since she was the one complaining about my PE.

Although they helped delay my ejaculation, I gained weight and more importantly made my erections weaker. So now I was dealing with even worse ED.
In Jan 2023 I finally stopped taking them completely (SSRI) and amazingly my nocturnal erections returned.

I believe a much better solution is to get help with your anxiety and stress. And not try to fix such an issue with a pill, that does nothing to fix your anxiety and stress.

Plus I've heard numerous stories of guys who took these meds, They stopped the meds (often because of ED) but the sexual side effects continued for quite some time.

To add: Rarely do SSRI's help ED. Usually as Mr. sogwap says they in small dose are used for PE. When all other conditions are good than this can work. Before I had ED I loved being able to last more than 30 sec. I have had worsening ED for about 6yrs. Now the SSRI's are not being a help. They did not cause it but are not helping. I have had hereditary Hyper Lipidemia, High Cholesteral, Hyper Tryglicerides. Now Diabetes (I have never been obese) and have had a heart attack and stent inserted. All of these health issues contribute to ED. I am much more able to 'cope' with my 'life long' Depression and Anxiety thanks to SSRI's. SSRI's are the worst for causing sexual issues in men and woman. Without them I would not be able to hold a job or cope with this world. I spent past 5yrs with rarely any nocturnal erections. I am down to 5mg Lexapro and 400mg Wellbutrin and 2.5mg daily Cialis and now have nocturnal erections again. It is no fun to masturbate since both Diabetes and SSRI's effect physical arousal. SSRI's also diminish Libido. Coming off SSRI's too quickly can cause PSSD which does not always go away. Taper down over a longer period than Dr.s instruct may help.

Long story short. Everyone is different. SSRI's can help PE. SSRI's can ruin a person for life. SSRI's can save lives by allowing people to cope with life. I hate them, but I would do it all over again. For pysychogenic seek therapy and guidence but be aware of effects.
Sorry, but there is a lot to understand. It is not black and white. I am a contradiction to most naysayers.