How Can Taking Diuretics Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

November 14, 2024

4 mins

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a common health condition in the United States. Around one in four men globally have hypertension. While hypertension doesn’t typically cause symptoms, medications to treat it can. Side effects of high blood pressure medications include coughing, fatigue, and erectile dysfunction. 

Diuretics are one of the most common high blood pressure medications that cause erectile dysfunction.

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What are Diuretics?

Diuretics are a class of medications that prevent a build-up of fluid (edema) in the body.  Also known as water pills, they remove excess water and electrolytes by increasing urine production.

How do diuretics work?

Diuretics treat health conditions related to an excess of fluid in the body. Other effects of taking diuretics include:

• Reduced swelling in the legs, lungs, and abdomen

• Lowered blood pressure

• Increased urine production

• Reduced risk of kidney stones

Overall, diuretics may help the heart to pump better by reducing the volume of blood in the body.

What are the different types of diuretics?

You can pick up over-the-counter (OTC) diuretics if you cannot see a healthcare provider right away. However, OTC medications may be less effective than prescription diuretics.

The five main types of diuretics are as follows:

• Loop diuretics: This type of diuretic primarily treats heart failure and hypertension. While on loop diuretics, a healthcare provider may suggest increasing your potassium intake.

• Thiazides: Hydrochlorothiazide is a common diuretic used to treat hypertension and edema. Other uses of thiazides include preventing heart failure and hypercalciuria (excess calcium in the urine).

• Potassium-sparing diuretics: A type of diuretic that reduces the risk of hypertension, heart failure, and hypokalemia (not enough potassium in the blood). They may also prevent hormonal imbalances.

• Osmotic diuretics: They treat acute renal failure, cerebral edema, and glaucoma.

• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: A type of diuretic that mainly treats glaucoma, epilepsy, and high altitude disorders.

You may consider natural diuretics. Natural sources that have a similar effect on blood pressure and fluid in the body include:

• Hibiscus

• Dandelion

• Ginger

• Parsley

• Caffeine

Be sure to follow instructions from your healthcare provider about how often to take diuretics. Taking too much can lead to kidney damage, dehydration, and low blood pressure.

How Do Diuretics Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to reach or maintain an erection. Thiazine diuretics are one of the most common diuretics prescribed for high blood pressure. They are more likely to cause erectile dysfunction than other types of hypertension medications. 

Health experts do not yet know for sure why thiazide diuretics cause erectile dysfunction since they do not affect the central nervous system.

One study of men between the ages of 30 to 70 saw increases in sexual dysfunction in men three months after starting diuretics. Participants experienced decreased libido, difficulty in maintaining an erection, and problems with ejaculation. If this happens to you, a healthcare provider can prescribe alternative options.

What are the potential side effects of diuretics?

Besides erectile dysfunction, there are several side effects you may experience while taking a diuretic. 

Side effects you may experience include:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Dry mouth

• Fatigue

You may experience more severe side effects like:

• Blurred vision

• Blood clots

• Confusion

• Unconsciousness

• Hearing loss

• Vision impairment

• High cholesterol

It’s not recommended to drink alcohol while taking a diuretic. This can cause an imbalance of salt and water in the body. Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you are experiencing any symptoms.

Who should not take diuretics?

Diuretics can be harmful for people with severe kidney or liver issues. Your healthcare provider may recommend different medications to treat your condition if you have a history of this. If you have diabetes, gout, or take NSAIDs, a healthcare provider may carefully monitor if prescribed a diuretic.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Health experts recommend seeing a healthcare provider two weeks after starting a diuretic. It’s important to see a healthcare provider regularly for scheduled visits to monitor fluid levels and changes in your health. During these visits, they can check your kidney function and perform blood tests. 

How Rex MD Can Help

While treating high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction can often be an uncomfortable side effect of medications. However, there are ways to treat erectile dysfunction while taking care of your blood pressure.

Rex MD offers access to a variety of erectile dysfunction treatments like Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) to treat unexpected erectile dysfunction. 

Get started on finding a medication to improve your symptoms today. Be sure to check with a licensed healthcare provider before starting any medications.