Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual issue affecting millions of males in the US.
ED is the inability of men or Assigned Males at Birth (AMAB) to get and maintain an erection.
Various physical and psychological factors can cause Erectile Dysfunction.
Many men with Erectile Dysfunction report having high blood pressure (also known as Hypertension).
This prompts a crucial question “Can high blood pressure cause Erectile Dysfunction?”. And if this connection exists, can you take high BP medications with ED medicines?
This article discusses the link between high blood pressure, antihypertensive medicines, and Erectile Dysfunction.
Can high blood pressure cause ED
High blood pressure (HBP) is a common risk factor for Erectile Dysfunction. Studies report that 30 percent of men with Hypertension also experience Erectile Dysfunction.
A large proportion of individuals with Erectile Dysfunction also have Hypertension. A study on men with Erectile Dysfunction revealed that 32 of 110 were hypertensive.
This is not to claim that high blood pressure will always result in ED. But it may increase the risk. Keeping your blood pressure under control and staying healthy may reduce this risk.
However, the medications to control high blood pressure may also contribute to ED. Thus, you should consult a doctor for advice before taking any medication.
High blood pressure and high cholesterol are often linked, raising a question: Can high cholesterol also lead to ED? Uncover the truth in this article– Can High Cholesterol Cause Erectile Dysfunction? Busting The Myths.
Reclaim Your Confidence in the Bedroom. Don’t Wait, Take Action Now!
How does high blood pressure cause ED
High blood pressure causes ED by affecting blood flow to the penis. Let us first understand how erections work and what high BP does to the body.
Nitric Oxide is released during sexual stimulation, which helps relax and dilate the penile blood vessels.
Dilated blood vessels improve blood flow to the penis, which causes erection.
Hypertension damages the inner lining of blood vessels (endothelium).
This inner lining plays a critical role in producing Nitric Oxide (N0). When it is damaged by HBP, the production of NO can be affected, making it harder for blood vessels to relax.
Additionally, high blood pressure results in the buildup of plaque inside the arteries, which can narrow and stiffen blood vessels.
These effects damage blood vessels and make it difficult for them to widen as needed during sexual arousal.
As a result, there is restricted blood flow to the penis.
Thus, making it challenging to get or maintain a firm erection.
Moreover, high blood pressure can cause Anxiety, stress, and even depression, which lead to psychological ED.
Curious to uncover the role of Nitric Oxide in triggering erections in depth? Dive into this article: ‘What is Nitric Oxide Erection? Know How it Works and Its Supplements.
Can high blood pressure medication cause Erectile Dysfunction
Source: Africa's_ImagesKeeping blood pressure under control is essential to prevent ED and other complications.
But ED may also develop as a side effect of some blood pressure medications.
Some groups of medicines that treat high blood pressure may lower the blood flow in the penis. These include Thiazide Diuretics, Loop Diuretics, and Beta-blockers.
Thiazide Diuretics, in high doses, may contribute to ED. But they may be safe in low doses.
On occasion, Loop diuretics and Beta-blockers may lead to ED too. Consult your doctor if you are on any of these medications and experiencing ED.
Your doctor may lower your dose or prescribe a different medicine altogether.
For people with ED, it is hard to find a Hypertension medication that does not worsen symptoms.
High BP medicines like ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin-receptor blockers rarely lead to ED.
Yet, it is best to seek medical advice for your condition and prescriptions.
The use of numerous medicines can lead to ED. Refer to this article to know these specific medicines- Drugs That Cause Erectile Dysfunction.
How to treat Hypertension-induced ED
Source: Chinnapong_Getty_ImagesThe standard treatment for Erectile Dysfunction is oral Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor medicines.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four oralhttps://www.cheapmedicineshop.com/blog/sexual-wellness/levitra/
ED pills, namely Viagra (Sildenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil), Levitra (Vardenafil), and Stendra (Avanafil) for treating ED.
Doctors also prescribe PDE5 inhibitors to hypertensive patients with ED.
Many clinical studies show that they have few side effects when used in a safe and proper way.
Apart from ED pills, various Erectile Dysfunction treatments are available. These include using vacuum devices or injections.
Along with ED treatments, some lifestyle modifications like doing ED exercises, eating healthy food, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can help manage Hypertension-induced ED.
Struggling to choose the best-suited ED Pill? Let this article guide you in “Choosing the Right Pill to Treat ED“.
Can you take high BP medicines with ED medicines
According to The World Journal of Cardiology, you may take ED medicines with high BP medicines. However, the research warns against combining Nitrates with PDE5 inhibitors.
Some people with Hypertension take Nitrates-containing medicines to lower blood pressure.
However, taking them with ED pills may be unsafe because they together can lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.
PDE5 inhibitors may also interact with Alpha-blockers. Thus, taking precautions when combining the two medicines would be best. You may start the treatment with a lower dose.
Inform your doctor about any medications you take before getting ED prescriptions.
Learn about the interaction of Nitrates and ED pills in this article – “Can You Take Viagra and Nitroglycerin Together?“.
Some foods can interact with your medicines and increase the risk of side effects.
To conclude
So, can high blood pressure cause Erectile Dysfunction? Yes, it may.
High blood pressure may cause damage to the blood vessels and contribute to ED.
It is one of the most prevalent causes of Erectile Dysfunction. Some Hypertension medicines may also cause erectile difficulties.
You may take oral prescription pills for ED. They are generally safe for people with Hypertension.
Exercise caution when combining ED pills with Hypertension pills, as they may interact. Do not take ED or high BP medicines without discussing them with a healthcare expert first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is ED with high blood pressure?
ED with high blood pressure is very common. Research says that about 30% of hypertensive patients also report having ED.
What can I take for Erectile Dysfunction if I have high blood pressure?
You may take oral prescription pills like Sildenafil, Tadalafil, or Vardenafil for ED.
These medicines are generally safe for hypertensive patients who are otherwise healthy.
Can I take Viagra while on blood pressure medicine?
Do not take Viagra if you take Nitrates or Alpha-blockers for Hypertension.
You may combine Viagra with other high BP medications under a medical expert’s advice.
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