Do OCD treatments cause ED?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that results in replicated undesired ideas or feelings (sensation) or the want to do something repeatedly. Some people can have obsessions, and some have compulsions. However, some percentage of people can have both. These thoughts can be either good or bad. People rarely relate this mental illness with erectile dysfunction. However, several people suffer from erection problems or low libido due to OCD. If you a prey of obsessive-compulsive disorder and facing erection problems, consult with your doctor for suitable erectile dysfunction treatment. Moreover, take tips and ask for medications that can help treat OCD also.

How OCD affects sexual life?

Although the obsessive-compulsive disorder can make people engage in sex repeatedly to fulfil their compulsion, there are cases when people feel like having a low sexual desire or problems like ED due to the same mental health condition. Let’s discuss how OCD messes-up the sexual life.

• Pregnancy obsession

People with OCD may have pregnancy obsession. Women may keep washing to rinse away any mark of semen that may have transferred during intercourse. However, males may stop themselves from doing anything that can directly or indirectly result in pregnancy.

• The fascination surrounding sexual deviation

Some people with OCD may develop badly-chosen sexual wishes like attracted to a religious figure, children, animals, and family members. In such a condition, people stop thinking about sexual activity as it can excite OCD-associated uncertainties.

• Side effects of the medications

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used for OCD treatment; however, it is an antidepressant. Other medications used for OCD may help you reduce the symptoms of distress, but they lead to sexual dysfunction at the same time. If you experience a weak erection after you take the medications, consult with your doctor. He may prescribe suitable erectile dysfunction treatment along with telling you how you can manage your disorder.

• Fear of impurity and infections

Several people with OCD worry about being contaminated if they engage in sex. The primary fear can be STIs, like HIV or herpes. It makes people obsessed to wash their genitals for hours to prevent infection.

In addition, some people may find the sexual fluids nauseating. It makes them washing everything that has witnessed the sexual doings. They may include bed sheets, towels, and clothes.

• Low libido due to anxiety and depression

Anxiety, which is induced by mental health condition, usually results in causing sexual dysfunction. Due to all the worries, diversions, and obsessions going into the mind of the person, he or she may not be able to put the mental presence into the sexual intercourse.

Erectile dysfunction can be a result of anxiety caused by a mental illness. If you experience such a condition, consult with your doctor. He may diagnose your condition and prescribe effective erectile dysfunction treatment. Moreover, your doctor may also tell you the ways to improve your mental health.