With the existence of a link between blood pressure & Erectile Dysfunction(ED), it is a matter of concern to identify which blood pressure medications cause erectile dysfunction. As both conditions are indispensable & can affect us(male & female) psychologically & physically.
ED is more likely to happen in a person, where the flow of blood is not constant & insufficient for the penile region. This creates a limp-like structure of the penis. ED becomes more severe with growing age and can be seen mainly in elderly people as they are more inclined towards the use of medications.
Blood Pressure Medications, That Causes Erectile Dysfunction:
Whereas, the use of blood pressure medicines is near the tip of the iceberg that causes ED, but not all. Mainly, high blood pressure medicines contribute to some reasons for ED. A study reports that high blood pressure makes the arteries narrow & harden due to the building of plaque or can create damage to the arteries known as endothelial damage. This action reduces the flow of blood to the required penile region for erection creating smooth muscle dysfunction.
In fact, high blood pressure is also known as hypertension which has the ability to affect semen (quality & quantity) and motility. That has a direct relation with affecting men’s sexual health by creating problems while conceiving a child.
Medicines like thiazide diuretics and beta-blockers make the arteries narrow & harden, resulting in a reduction of blood flow. This reduction of blood flow can give rise to stroke, heart attack, peripheral vascular disease, kidney disease, vascular dementia including ED. More information about thiazide diuretics and beta-blockers:-
Thiazide Diuretics
Also known as water pills, are used for hypertension. But with the intake of higher doses, there is a greater chance of reduced blood flow to the penis, making it difficult to obtain an erection. Some of the known thiazide diuretics are:-
- Chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone)
- Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide, Hydro Diuril, Oretic)
Beta-Blockers:-
Typically, beta-blockers work by reducing the activity of the heart through the nervous system. Though it is used to treat high blood pressure but works as same as thiazide diuretics in the case of ED. Examples of beta blockers are:
- Metoprolol
- Atenolol
- Propranolol
- Carvedilol
- Pindolol
Non-selective beta-blockers function throughout the body, including the penile tissues, and are thus more prone to produce ED. Some cardioselective beta-blockers, on the other hand exclusively work for the heart and are less prone to cause ED.
Some of the Blood-Pressure Medicines that Don’t Cause ED:-
Luckily, there are other high-blood-pressure medicines apart from thiazide diuretics & beta-blockers that only work for controlling blood pressure rather than contributing to ED. Check the list of mentioned medicines:-
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: Enalapril (Vasotec) & Captopril (Capoten)
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers: Losartan (Cozaar) & Telmisartan (Micardis)
- Alpha-blockers: Tamsulosin (Flomax), Alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and Silodosin (Rapaflo)
- Calcium channel blockers: Amlodipine, Diltiazem & Verapamil
To get more clarification about the use of these medications talk to your concerned doctor or visit an expert Urologist.
Other ED Medications That Can Be Used with Controlled High Blood Pressure:-
Some branded medicines for the treatment of ED like Viagra, Cialis, Eriacta, Kamagra, and Vilitra can be used only if you have controlled high blood pressure. Generally, the use of these medicines starts with a low dose or depending on the severity of the ED recommended by the doctor.
Moreover, some other alternatives to ED tablets like lubricants or Kamagra Oral Jelly, penile injection, penis pumps & best gummies for erectile dysfunction. But, the use completely depends on the doctor’s advice.
In fact, there are some restrictions with the use of ED meds like consuming it with alpha-blockers or having any heart-related diseases. Seek a doctor’s guidance for prompt use of it.
Lifestyle To Control Blood Pressure Without Causing Erectile Dysfunction:-
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help us to transform our health condition. If you are concerned about the potential for erectile dysfunction while taking blood pressure medications, there are several lifestyle changes you can incorporate to help manage your blood pressure without compromising sexual function. Here are some strategies:
Maintain a Healthy Weight:-
Excess weight can contribute to high blood pressure. Adopting a healthy eating plan and engaging in regular physical activity can lead to a lower blood pressure level
Follow a Balanced Diet:-
Reduce unsaturated fat & excess salt intake in your diet. As these are common factors for high blood pressure. Emphasize a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.
Exercise Regularly:-
Maintaining a habit of exercising daily mainly performing aerobic exercise and light-weight training can improve cardiovascular health.
Limit Alcohol Consumption:-
Excess use of alcohol leads to high blood pressure & can damage the liver. Limiting alcohol intake is best for health & will not give rise to any kind of adverse effects.
Quit Smoking:-
Chain smokers have a chance of developing cardiovascular disease as well as can give rise to high blood pressure. Quitting smoking can be a life-changing moment that will improve sexual health & maintain blood pressure.
Reduce Stress:-
Stress is a leading & underlying factor that completely gets unnoticed. Always get free from stress by practicing relaxation techniques, spending time with family, and maintaining a good work-life balance.
Get Enough Sleep:-
Poor sleep or sleep disorders can impact blood pressure. Try to have quality sleep each night to maintain overall health & blood pressure.
Communicate With your Healthcare Provider
If you have concerns about the potential side effects of your blood pressure medications, including erectile dysfunction, discuss them openly with your healthcare provider. Check with the erection dysfunction doctors in New Jersey.
The Conclusion
From the above statements we can clearly see that high blood pressure is the one of reasons that can lead to erectile dysfunction. Not only high blood pressure but there are a lot of other factors that can contribute to the same.
In fact, the medicines used for high blood pressure but our overall lifestyle has a contribution towards ED in men. Which is a prevalent sexual disorder that has affected 52% of men worldwide.
So, by maintaining a good lifestyle, there is less chance of having high blood pressure. And this will automatically decrease the chances of getting affected by ED.