Sexual Side Effects of Blood Pressure Medicine
Blood pressure medications have been shown to cause sexual problems. For men, high blood pressure also can cause erectile dysfunction, or ED. For women, reduced blood flow from high blood pressure can decrease sexual desire. Understanding the underlying cause of specific symptoms can help reduce or eliminate sexual side effects of blood pressure medications.
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Significance of Blood Pressure in Sex.
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One of the biggest problems of high blood pressure for sex is that many people have blood pressure problems and may not even know it, according to the October 2008 Harvard Heart Letter.
High blood pressure causes damage and narrowing and hardening the of arteries (atherosclerosis) and limits blood flow. For men, limiting blood flow to the penis can affect the ability to attain or maintain an erection. For women, reduced blood flow has been linked to vaginal dryness and decrease in sexual desire.
Effects of Blood Pressure Medication
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Sometimes, high blood pressure medications such as beta blockers and diuretics can cause similar sexual problems. Beta blockers make it difficult for the arteries in the penis to widen enough to allow blood flow to cause an erection. They also affect your nervous system reaction that affects erection.
Because diuretics decrease forceful blood flow to the penis, erection may be difficult. Diuretics flush out excess water and with it, deplete zinc, which makes the male sex hormone testosterone. Lack of zinc can affect sex drive. -
Prevention/Solution
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Look for other options for sexual problems created by high blood pressure medications.
Medications that are less likely to cause sexual side effects include ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme), Alpha Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers.
Tips
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There are natural alternatives to prescription high blood pressure medications, including supplements and even therapies such as yoga and meditation. However, discuss any change in treatment with your health care provider.
To help your doctor select the most appropriate treatment plan for you, keep a copy of all the medications you take, including vitamins, herbs and over-the-counter medications. Sexual problems can be caused by a combination of medications.
Warning
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Check with your doctor before taking medication for erectile dysfunction like Viagra or Cialis if you have high blood pressure or use high blood pressure medications. Most combinations of ED drugs and blood pressure medications are safe. However, combined with medications like nitrates, for chest pain, the medications can cause blood pressure levels to drop to dangerous levels.
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