Blood Pressure And Erectile Dysfunction

What Else Causes Erectile Dysfunction

Diabetes, smoking and drinking a lot of alcohol are all major causes of erectile dysfunction. Combined with high blood pressure, these can all damage the blood vessels, putting you at higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

There are a number of other possible causes, including:

• being overweight
• surgery or injury, such as surgery for prostate cancer
• medications for other health problems, such as antidepressants
• some medications for high blood pressure, particularly at higher doses

How To Treat High Blood Pressure Without Ruining Your Sex Life

Sophia Antipolis, France 28 Aug 2020: Men with untreated high blood pressure have poorer penile blood flow than those with normal blood pressure, according to research presented today at ESC Congress 2020.1 The differences disappeared with blood pressure medication. The results provide reassurance to men concerned about the effects of blood pressure-lowering medications.

Hypertension affects more than one billion people worldwide and is the leading cause of premature death.2 A healthy lifestyle is advised, including salt restriction, alcohol moderation, exercise, weight control, and smoking cessation. Most patients also require drug treatment, which is linked to reduced risks of death, stroke, and heart disease but around half of patients do not take their pills. Sexual dysfunction is one reason why patients stop medication.

However, previous studies have shown that erectile dysfunction is more common in treated, than untreated, men with high blood pressure. And certain antihypertensive drugs notably diuretics and beta blockers have been linked with deterioration in sexual function. This study examined the association between blood pressure level and penile blood flow, and whether blood pressure-lowering medication had an effect on the relationship.

Professor Vlachopoulos concluded: Our study shows that high blood pressure can be treated without causing erectile dysfunction. Patients and doctors need to have open discussions to find the best treatment option.

Can High Blood Pressure Medications Cause Erectile Dysfunction

At this point, we all should be acutely aware of the impacts high blood pressure can have on our lives.

For decades men have been warned of the potential health disasters caused by hypertension, including the risk of a heart attack or stroke, aneurysms, or even dementia caused by narrowed or blocked arteries.

However, one additional complication that isnt necessarily as widely known is erectile dysfunction.

Thats right, hypertension can also manifest itself in the bedroom. There is actually a close relationship between high blood pressure and EDso close in fact, that the latter can be one of the first signs of the former. Men with high blood pressure are actually up to twice as likely to experience ED as those without.

The reason why is simple human biology erections require easy blood flow. Hypertension doesnt allow the walls of your arteries to relax as they should, preventing the required amount of blood flow to achieve and maintain a firm erection.

Unfortunately, the bad news doesnt end there. Certain medications to treat hypertension have also been linked to ED. In fact, medications could be the culprit behind as much as 25% of ED cases.

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Treating Men With High Blood Pressure And Erectile Dysfunction

The good news is that many high blood pressure and ED treatments are compatible.

A few options include:

• PDE5 inhibitors
• Hormone replacement

The first step to treating ED is maintaining vascular and heart health. If high blood pressure is the root cause, making healthier choices and adding natural supplements may be all thats needed.

On the other hand, if your doctor determines medication is to blame for the issue, your dosage may be reduced, or alternatives can be recommended. However, do not stop taking blood pressure medication without consulting a professional.

About High Blood Pressure

Chronic high blood pressure, or hypertension, develops for different reasons, including medical conditions like kidney disease, and lifestyle choices like smoking or a diet high in sodium. Sometimes people develop high blood pressure without an identifiable cause.

Regardless of why you have hypertension, untreated chronic high blood pressure damages your heart and blood vessels and eventually leads to life-threatening medical conditions like heart disease and stroke. And because the condition doesnt come with noticeable symptoms, doctors call it the silent killer.

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How Are High Blood Pressure And Ed Linked

Erectile dysfunction is not a typical concern for the young and healthy. A study by the American Geriatrics Society found that 49% of their sample men aged between 40 and 79 had ED and hypertension.

Hypertension damages arteries and vessels. The penile muscles become tense and rigid, unable to relax due to insufficient blood.

As a result, maintaining an erection becomes a challenge.

A variety of factors are linked to high blood pressure and ED, including:

• Atherosclerosis
• Tobacco, alcohol, or drug use.
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Medication side effects

Men with hypertension are also twice as likely to experience low testosterone. This contributes significantly to libido and the probability of developing ED.

Blood Pressure Variation And Erectile Dysfunction

When men have erectile dysfunction, they also suffer from low testosterone levels. Testosterone is the primary hormone for sexual arousal, and it is known as the male hormone. So, high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction have direct relations. But, there is one more thing to consider, and that is drugs consumed for controlling high blood pressure. The medication consumed for treating or controlling high blood pressure may lead to erectile.

Men with high blood pressure may depend on bad habits like smoking, and that results in increased blood pressure. Smoking results in damaged blood vessels, which creates issues like reduced blood flow in the entire body. You can also refer to ED Elixir Review.

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High Blood Pressure And Male Sex Drive

High blood pressure is also closely linked to a decline in testosterone levels, the key hormone thats responsible for sex drive in men. Research from 2021 published by the Journal of the American Heart Association notes that men with hypertension typically had lower levels of testosterone than men with normal or optimal blood pressure.

Since testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men and a major factor in promoting normal sexual performance, high blood pressure can produce a double hit of ED by making it harder to get an erection while also reducing hormonal sexual interest and performance because of low testosterone.

ED treatments, delivered

High Blood Pressure And Sexual Performance

High blood pressure can also make physical exercise more of a challenge. This can lead to people exercising less and not being in the best physical condition for optimal sexual performance.

While sexual intercourse doesnt burn as many calories as most people think , it can be a physically exerting activity that works your cardiovascular and respiratory system. Because of this, good general health is closely correlated with better sexual performance and healthier sex life.

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All About Ed And High Blood Pressure

Can high blood pressure cause erectile dysfunction? Yes, it can, and if left untreated, you may always struggle to get an erection or you may not be able to get one at all. The only way to fix the problem is to treat your high blood pressure and also consider ED treatments like shockwave therapy.

If you want to know more, learn about how shockwave therapy works here.

The Link Between Ed And Hypertension

About 80% of the time, erectile dysfunction has a physical cause with the most common cause being hypertension. In fact, men with chronic high blood pressure are twice as likely to have ED. And since ED is underreported, researchers estimate the numbers could be much higher.

In addition, your risk of having low testosterone is nearly two times higher if you have hypertension. While the relationship between hypertension and low testosterone is still being investigated, having low testosterone can contribute to erectile problems and low libido.

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What Should I Tell My Roman

Before you take VIAGRA® or generic VIAGRA® , tell your healthcare provider if you:

• Have or have had heart problems such as a heart attack,irregular heartbeat, angina, chest pain, narrowing of the aortic valve, or heart failure
• Have had heart surgery within the last 6 months
• Have pulmonary hypertension
• Have low blood pressure, or high blood pressure that is not controlled
• Have had an erection that lasted for more than 4 hours
• Have problems with your blood cells such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
• Have retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic eye disease
• Have ever had severe vision loss, including an eye problem called NAION
• Have bleeding problems
• Have or have had stomach or intestinal ulcers
• Have liver problems
• Have kidney problems or are having kidney dialysis
• Have any other medical conditions

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following:

Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.

How Is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed

Your doctor will ask you about the problems youre having as well as any other medical conditions and your overall health and wellbeing. They will also check your blood pressure and heart rate and do a physical exam.

These will help your doctor understand the cause of the problem and any underlying health problems that need treating, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol which could mean youre at risk of heart attacks, heart disease and stroke.

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What Is Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a form of sexual dysfunction that many men experience. ED basically means that you cannot achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for intercourse.

There are a few different ways this can manifest. For instance, you may not be able to get an erection at all, even if you are feeling aroused. Another form of ED is being able to achieve an erection, but trouble keeping it long enough for satisfying sex. Some men also are able to achieve an erection, but it isnt firm enough to enter their partner.

ED can have many different causes, both physical and psychological. Many men may experience difficulty getting or maintaining an erection from time to time, often due to stress or other factors. However, its important to discuss your ED symptoms with your doctor if it happens frequently. ED can interfere with your everyday life and may also be a sign of another serious health condition, such as high blood pressure.

Medical Treatments For Blood Pressure And Erectile Dysfunction

If your blood pressure is consistently above the recommended level you have to change your lifestyle and add medicines such as ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, Diuretics, or Beta blockers.

Speaking of treatment for ED there is oral pills and injectable medicines, vacuum erection devices, hormone replacement therapy, inflatable penile implants, and even surgical procedures.

Get your blood pressure and Erectile Dysfunction treated before it ruins your sex life.

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The Takeaway: Fortunately There Are Several Medications To Lower Blood Pressure That Dont Have A History Of Causing Erectile Dysfunction In Fact Some Have The Potential To Treat Erectile Dysfunction Using An Ace Inhibitor Arb Alpha Blocker Or Calcium Channel Blocker May Treat High Blood Pressure Without Causing Erectile Issues

Treating erectile dysfunction while taking blood pressure medication can be challenging. Due to the potential for negative interactions, its not recommended to use prescription medications for erectile dysfunction when taking most medications for blood pressure as they can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

If you’re currently taking medications to lower your blood pressure, talk with a medical professional about the possibility of switching to a different medication. Rex MD may be able to help. Learn more and get started with our free survey by clicking here.

How Is Erectile Dysfunction Treated

There are a number of ways to improve your erections. Speak to your doctor about the options that could work for you.

Lifestyle changesto lower blood pressure

If your erectile dysfunction is caused by high blood pressure, then lowering your blood pressure with , could be enough to improve your erections without any other treatments. These changes will also improve your overall health and lower your risk of serious problems such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

You might also be offered blood pressure-lowering medicines if you need them.

Changes in blood pressure medications

If the problem is caused by , your doctor may be able to lower your dose or try a different medication.Dont stop taking your medicines without speaking to your doctor first as your blood pressure will quickly go back up.

If your erectile dysfunction is caused by medication for another health problem, your doctor may also be able to try an alternative for this.

Treatments for other health problems

If you have an underlying health problem which is causing your erectile dysfunction your doctor will try to find the best treatment for it. For example, cholesterol-lowering drugs, called statins, to treat atherosclerosis.

Treatments for erectile dysfunction

There are treatments available to help you get an erection which can be used at the same time as changing your lifestyle or blood pressure medications, or afterwards, if youre still having problems.

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Angiotensin Ii Receptor Blockers And Erectile Dysfunction

Studies have shown that angiotensin receptor blockers either have no significant negative effects or in some cases, beneficial effects on erectile function.

ARBs are a group of drugs used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. These medications work by blocking the action of a chemical which narrows the blood vessels. As a result, blood vessels widen, increasing blood flow and lowering blood pressure. In some people, this effect also improves erectile function.

Some common ARBs taken for high blood pressure include:

Working With Your Doctor

Your doctor will need a lot of information from you before suggesting any treatment. If this doctor had been involved in your care for high blood pressure, you can talk about how well you’ve been controlling your blood pressure and about how youâre doing with the medications you’re taking. If youâre meeting with a new doctor, youâll share all that, plus information about other health problems you may have, like diabetes or high cholesterol.

The doctor may discuss any of your risk factors for heart disease before recommending treatment, as well as any side effects you could be having from medications.Telling a doctor that you have difficulty with your erection isnât the easiest thing to do. But to get the right care, you have to tell your doctor everything, including the truth about things like drinking alcohol, using drugs, or smoking cigarettes. It’s in your best interest to be totally honest.

You should also be prepared to discuss some questions about your sex life. They might ask things like:

• What’s your sexual orientation? Do you have sex with men, women, or both?
• Do you have a steady partner? Multiple partners?
• How is sex with your partner? Has anything changed recently?
• Has anything upsetting happened to you lately?
• In general, are you under a lot of stress?
• Do you ever feel depressed?

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This Common Problem Can Signal High Blood Pressure

If you struggle to achieve and maintain an erection, you may be among the 30 million American men who have erectile dysfunction . That number may seem high until you realize that ED is the most commonly reported sexual problem among men worldwide. While the inability to perform in the bedroom can be frustrating and embarrassing, it could be a red flag of a more serious health issuenamely, high blood pressure.

Men with ED are approximately 38 percent more likely to have high blood pressure than men without ED, according to a study that analyzed the medical records of over 1.9 million men. So even if you haven’t been diagnosed with hypertension and aren’t on medication, you should see your doctor to check your blood pressure, as ED can be a symptom of hypertension or other heart-related issues.

Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, a board-certified family physician in Fort Benning, Georgia, tells Best Life, “Over time, if blood pressure and other medical problems result in hardening of the arteries, we can see ED developing in people.”

If Your Medicine Causes Erectile Dysfunction

Tell your doctor if you think blood pressure medicine may be causing erectile dysfunction.

If it is medication, and not just high blood pressure, switching to another prescription may solve the problem. Never stop taking medicine without your doctor’s OK.

But high blood pressure itself still could be to blame for your erectile dysfunction. In that case, ask about trying an erectile dysfunction drug like Cialis, Levitra, Stendra, Staxyn, or .

You should only take these drugs once your high blood pressure is under control. They are not safe for men with untreated high blood pressure. They are also not safe for men taking alpha-blockers, or men taking nitrate drugs for heart disease.

Show Sources

SOURCES: American Urological Association, “AUA Guideline on the Management of Erectile Dysfunction: Diagnosis and Treatment Recommendations.” Barksdale, J. Pharmacotherapy, May 1999 vol 19: pp 573-581. Ferrario, C. Journal of Clinical Hypertension, November/December 2002 vol 4: pp 424-432. Fogari, R. American Journal of Hypertension, January 2001 vol. 14: pp 27-31. Grimm, R. Hypertension, January 1997 vol 29: pp 8-14. Llisteri, J. American Journal of the Medical Sciences, May 2001 vol. 321: pp 336-341. WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with The Cleveland Clinic: “Hypertension: Treatment With ACE Inhibitors.”

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