Throw us a bone

by Janet Casperson, BS, MSN, ANP-C

We've heard for many years that hypertension (high blood pressure) can affect long-term changes in our cardiovascular system. These are the same kinds of changes that occur with erectile dysfunction.

Recently, our understanding of hypertension has expanded and we know more about what it takes for the body to move blood through the cardiovascular system. Moving the blood takes a certain amount of pressure; the higher the required pressure is to pump and perfuse our organs, the more potential damage we do to our bodies.

Mild hypertension by itself is probably one of the least damaging of the risk factors. Unfortunately, hypertension often coexists with metabolic syndrome, diabetes and the other risk factors. It is the combination of these risk factors together with hypertension that make it a very lethal force.

Hypertension not only causes erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction in at-risk individuals, but often the treatment for hypertension affects erections, arousal and ability to achieve orgasm as well.

Blood pressure medications can cause erectile dysfunction

Some of the most common medications used for the treatment of high blood pressure are drugs from a class known as the diuretics. Diuretics are probably the most significant class of medications that can cause damage to erections.

Another class of drugs known as beta blockers can also dramatically affect erections. Hypertension by itself can cause erectile dysfunction. Unfortunately, the medications that prevent hypertension can also contribute to erectile dysfunction through a different mechanism.

Newer drugs for high blood pressure are being introduced to the market that have a lower tendency to cause erectile dysfunction. Be sure to discuss this side effect with your doctor if you are experiencing it and ask about any new drugs that are less likely to affect you this way.

References: See Bibliography

August 2006
Posted August 2008
Updated December 2011