For the last 18 months, I have struggled with recurring bouts of deep depression. During this period, it’s been all but impossible for me to get an erection. Is Viagra likely to help?

Depression can be caused by a wide array of factors, including an inability to function normally sexually. If for example, that is the specific cause of your depression, Viagra might help. However, for most cases of ED that are psychological in origin, PDE5 inhibitors are not the answer.

You’ll need psychological counseling to get to the root of your depression. Once you’ve confronted whatever demons may be causing your depression, you likely will be able to regain normal sexual function.

And you probably will be able to do it without needing pharmaceutical help. However, you should be aware that many of the medications prescribed for the treatment of depression interfere with normal sexual function and don’t work well with Viagra either. Ask your doctor or psychiatrist to prescribe an antidepressant that’s not known to interfere with erectile function.