Actively taking care of your mental health is an essential part of overall well-being, influencing how we think, feel and function in daily life. In the United States, nearly 20% of adults experience some form of mental illness each year, including depression, anxiety and mood disorders. Fortunately, the need to address, accept and better understand mental health is taking center stage in today’s culture.

What is less often discussed is sexual dysfunction and its effect on mental health. Sexual dysfunction affects between 30% and 40% of people at some point in their lives and can happen to both men and women at any age. This condition can negatively impact all areas of life, from personal to professional, often leading to emotional distress and a reduced quality of life.

Research has highlighted how sexual health and mental health are deeply interconnected. Challenges in sexual wellness — such as decreased libido, performance issues or discomfort — can eventually lead to psychological distress. Conversely, mental health disorders like depression and anxiety often reduce libido, impair sexual function and create physical discomfort. This bidirectional relationship emphasizes that when one aspect suffers, the other is likely affected as well. Studies show that a fulfilling intimate life can boost mood, reduce stress, increase feelings of happiness and enhance overall life satisfaction, while poor sexual health can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, frustration and
strained relationships.

Conventional treatments and their impact on mental health

There are numerous treatments and medications available to address specific sexual health issues, such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and Peyronie’s disease in men; and hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), dyspareunia and hormone imbalances, and physical atrophy in both genders.

For men, common treatments include medications like Viagra and Cialis, which work by increasing blood flow to the genital area. For women, medications like ospemifine and Addyi are often prescribed to treat HSDD, hormone imbalances and physical symptoms of vaginal dryness and atrophy. Although effective, these medications can cause a range of side effects including headaches, dizziness, breathing problems, blood clots and mood swings. Similarly, antidepressants, which are prescribed to address mental health conditions, may negatively impact sexual health by reducing libido and inhibiting sexual response. For individuals with existing mental health concerns, managing sexual health medications requires careful supervision to avoid worsening psychological symptoms.

A regenerative approach to sexual health

As a physician, I feel that it’s important to look at all the factors involved when treating a sexual health problem, including a deep dive into the patient’s health history, family history, current lifestyle and other medical conditions. Many patients are now looking to regenerative treatments to improve their sexual health which offer alternatives to traditional treatments without potential adverse side effects. Using a more regenerative approach encompasses a range of treatments that address the root cause of the issue while boosting the body’s ability to correct and regenerate on its own.

Shockwave therapy is considered one of the earliest regenerative treatments. Originally, shockwave therapy was used primarily to treat conditions like kidney stones and joint pain until the 1980s, when it was adapted as a treatment for sexual health issues.

Shockwave therapies use low-intensity sound waves to increase blood flow, enhance sensitivity and stimulate tissue regeneration, providing long-term benefits for issues such as ED, HSDD and decreased libido. Another popular regenerative treatment is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, also known for its success in skin and hair restoration. PRP uses the patient’s own blood to extract growth factors that, when injected, stimulate tissue repair and collagen production aiding in improved sensation. Additionally, there are now plant-based and silicone-free fillers offering men a non-surgical, long-lasting option (5 to 10 years) to enhance penile girth by naturally boosting collagen production.

For those with hormonal imbalances affecting libido and energy levels, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and testosterone therapy can help restore hormone levels, alleviating symptoms like fatigue, hair loss and mood swings while improving overall sexual health.

Each of these regenerative treatments provides holistic benefits that extend beyond physical wellness to support mental health and self-confidence.

Maintaining good sexual health goes hand-in-hand with nurturing mental well-being. Positive sexual experiences stimulate the release of endorphins and oxytocin, hormones known to reduce stress and boost mood. By addressing sexual health issues, individuals can achieve improved mental health, emotional balance, greater self-confidence and a stronger sense of well-being.

Dr. Sandhu is the founder and CEO of Amara Regenerative Aesthetics; a diplomate; and member of the American Board of Internal Medicine, Board of Anti-Aging Medicine and the American Board of Aesthetics Medicine. She can be reached at (760) 895.4140. For more information visit www.AmaraRA.com.

Sources: 1) https://www.healthcentral.com/sex-and-relationships/sex-and-mental-health; 2) https://familydoctor.org/importance-of-sexual-health/; 3) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9121-sexual-dysfunction; 4) https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a619054.html; 5) https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/part-two-sexuality-mental-health-outcomes-and-social-stress-sexuality-and-gender; 6) https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements; 7) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33906807/