High blood pressure (hypertension) is a potential cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). But taking blood pressure medications to treat this condition can also cause ED as a side effect.
Certain types of hypertension drugs have a higher risk of causing ED compared to others.
If you take high blood pressure medications and you notice signs or symptoms of ED, you should speak with a doctor.
They can recommend alternative medications to manage hypertension that may have a lower risk of causing difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
Which types cause ED?
Certain medications for treating blood pressure can cause ED. This is a common side effect of drugs such as:
- thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
- beta-blockers like atenolol (Tenormin)
- loop diuretics like torsemide (Demadex)
- aldosterone receptor blockers like spironolactone (Aldactone)
When an erection occurs, the chambers that make up the penis let blood flow into them.
After this happens, the outflow of blood is restricted to maintain rigidity during the erection and prevent the blood from leaving the penis, maintaining the erection.
Some medications for high blood pressure work by relaxing the blood vessels and changing how the blood flows around the body.
This can make it more difficult for the blood to flow into the penis and get an erection or to remain trapped in it and maintain the erection.
Beta-blockers are very common medications for treating hypertension. But research has found that these drugs can cause difficulties with getting and maintaining an erection.
The reason for this isn’t completely understood, but it could be due to their effect on the nervous system and reduced blood pressure.
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Other options
Some medications for hypertension have a lower risk of causing ED. Medications such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers don’t often cause ED as a side effect.
A 2020 study compared the different treatment options available for hypertension and their effects on sexual health in people with a penis.
The study suggests that alpha-receptor blockers and combined alpha- and beta-receptor blockers had the lowest incidence of causing ED.
The drugs that may have a lower risk of causing ED may include:
ED treatments
The treatment for ED typically includes a combination of medications and talk therapy. Doctors may prescribe you medications that can help manage ED symptoms and stimulate the blood flow in the penis.
These medications typically come in the form of oral pills, but injections and suppositories are also available.
The medications that may help manage ED may include:
- sildenafil (Viagra)
- tadalafil (Cialis)
- vardenafil (Levitra)
- avanafil (Stendra)
- alprostadil (Edex)
If you have low levels of testosterone, doctors may recommend testosterone replacement therapy. This can help with ED and increase sexual drive.
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Get free cardVacuum pumps can also help manage ED. These devices can stimulate an erection by drawing blood into the penis.
After using the pump, you need to use an elastic ring to hold the blood in your penis to maintain the erection. You can leave the ring in place safely for up to 30 minutes.
If you have ED, a doctor may also recommend you make some lifestyle changes, including:
- limiting alcohol or stopping drinking alcohol, if applicable
- quitting smoking, if you smoke
- maintaining a moderate body weight
- doing physical activity regularly
- avoiding the use of any recreational drug
Healthcare professionals often recommend these for people with hypertension, too.
Some people with ED may also find it helpful to visit a counselor to talk about the emotional and psychological difficulties that they may develop due to their health conditions.
Talk therapy can help lower anxiety and stress related to sex, making it easier to manage the other factors that can contribute to ED.
In some rare cases, surgery may also be an option for treating ED. During surgery, doctors can treat ED by placing an implant to make the penis erect or rebuild the arteries in the penis to increase its blood flow.
Need a prescription or refill? You can get discreet and expert on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes. For $29, answer a few questions online and get a treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.
Summary
ED is a possible side effect of several medications used to treat high blood pressure. But certain drugs, such as alpha-receptor blockers and ACE inhibitors, may have a lower risk of causing ED.
High blood pressure is also a direct cause of ED.
If you experience ED after starting hypertension treatment, you should speak with a doctor to get advice about the other treatment options available that may cause you fewer side effects.
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