How does stress cause Ed?

[potatoking]

I'd like to know how stress and/or depression can cause erectile disfunction. I think I maybe affected by both and I'd like to understand it.

 

[Rikter8]

There are quite a few good articles out on the web on this.

For me, the stress and depression literally depresses the body. Everything goes out of whack. Hormonal balance, ability to think clearly, libido tanks as well as sex drive and testosterone. Getting a woody becomes a chore rather than an enjoyable adventure.

Some resources:

http://www.isitlowt.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=sex%20drive&utm_campaign=Research

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=78172

http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/slideshow-sex-drive-killers

 

[FuzzyKen]

Here are some examples:

Stress:
Can over time reduce testosterone levels
Can over time cause increases in Estiadol and Prolactin
Can cause bad dietary decisions with long term problems
Can create abnormal anxiety which has negative impact on erections
Can create performance anxiety
Can alter or destabilize blood pressure.
Can cause depression needing medications which to treat depression cause ED
Can cause elevated blood pressure needing medications that cause ED

Stress is in fact a "killer" and can kill more than the person, it can kill their ability to have a good time or enjoy anything. There are tons of ways that stress can kill sex drive.

As men return from foreign deployment to battle areas, one of the common ways that the military is made aware of PTSD is conversations with wives or significant others regarding sexual performance.