Can high blood pressure cause Erectile Dysfunction? Learn about the link between Hypertension and your sexual function in this article.
Erectile Dysfunction is a common male sexual issue that can arise from various underlying factors.
Many men with Erectile Dysfunction (ED) report having high blood pressure (Hypertension).
Can high blood pressure (high BP) cause Erectile Dysfunction? And if it does, can you take high BP medications with ED medicines?
This article discusses the link between high blood pressure, medicines, and Erectile Dysfunction.
Table of Contents
Can high blood pressure cause ED
High blood pressure 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.
But the medications to control high blood pressure may also contribute to ED. Thus, you should consult a doctor for advice before taking any medication.
How does high blood pressure cause ED
High blood pressure causes ED by affecting the blood flow in the penis. Let us first understand how erections work and what high BP does to the body.
Erections occur as a result of sexual stimulation. Your nerves send chemical messages to the penis’ blood vessels.
Your blood vessels relax and dilate, increasing blood flow to the soft tissues in the penis. The increased pressure due to increased blood flow causes the penis to become erect.
Hypertension affects the blood flow necessary for an erection. It damages your blood vessels, causing them to become narrow and less flexible.
It can, thus, prevent or restrict blood flow in the penis during sexual arousal. As a result, high blood pressure affects your ability to achieve erections.
Can high blood pressure medication cause Erectile Dysfunction
Keeping 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, alpha-blockers, and angiotensin-receptor blockers rarely lead to ED.
Yet, it is best to seek medical advice for your condition and prescriptions.
How to treat Hypertension-induced ED
The standard treatment for Erectile Dysfunction is oral Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor medicines.
These medicines, like Sildenafil (Viagra) and Tadalafil (Cialis), are FDA-approved 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.
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. But the research warns against combining nitrates with PDE5 inhibitors.
Some people with Hypertension take organic prescription nitrates to lower blood pressure. Taking them with ED pills may be unsafe due to their extreme hypotensive effect.
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.
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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