Tadalafil improves depressive symptoms of patients with erectile dysfunction

This study investigated the effectiveness of tadalafil (Cialis) in the treatment of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and depression. Researchers suggested that this drug improves depression, urinary symptoms, and quality of life of patients with ED.

ED consists of the inability of keeping an erection firm enough to have sex. ED affects physical and mental health and decreases the quality of life of patients and their partners. It occurs in 18 to 45% of men after the age of 40. An erection involves the blood flow to the penis and nerve activation. Patients with ED may have underlying conditions that affect the blood vessels or nerves that supply the penis. 

ED is closely associated with depression. Prior studies suggested that depression was 1.8 times higher in men with ED. Antidepressants are often used to treat depression. However but many antidepressants cause sexual dysfunction or worsen ED.

PDE5 inhibitors such as tadalafil improve the outcomes of ED. Tadalafil helps the penis muscles to become active and maintain an erection. However, it is still not clear whether tadalafil can improve ED and depression.

This study included information about 50  male patients with ED and depression. All participants were assigned to receive tadalafil 5 mg daily for 2 months. ED, depression, and urinary symptoms were assessed at follow-up visits (start of the treatment and 1 and 2 months after).

At the start of the study, patients showed mild ED and urinary symptoms. However, for depression, the symptoms were moderate to severe. ED, depression, and urinary symptoms significantly improved during tadalafil treatment between the different follow-up time-points. Patients with severe depression symptoms had a greater improvement between follow-up timepoints than patients with moderate symptoms.

This study concluded that tadalafil might be a good and safe option for patients with ED and depressive and urinary symptoms.

This study included a limited number of participants. Further studies with bigger populations are necessary.

If you have concerns about ED and depression, please discuss this with your doctor.