Can High Blood Pressure Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

June 30, 2021

5 mins

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common medical conditions in the U.S. It affects nearly one in four adults in the U.S.

High blood pressure and erectile dysfunction are very closely linked in several ways. Not only can having high blood pressure make it harder to achieve an erection, but it may also impact your sex drive. Some medications for high blood pressure may cause erectile dysfunction as a side effect. 

Bringing your blood pressure into an optimal range is not only good for your overall health, but is also a good way to reduce the risk of experiencing erection issues and improving your sexual health.

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How Does Blood Flow Affect Erections?

Two of the most important factors involved with getting an erection is consistent blood flow. Whenever you start to feel sexually aroused, your brain sends chemical signals to the tissue in the penis. These signals will tell the penis when to expand to increase blood flow to the penis. 

Pressure builds as blood flow increases to the penis. This causes the penis to become firm. Your brain sends signals to the penis to maintain the firmness of the penis during an erection. 

Whenever sex has reached its natural conclusion and stimulation has ended, blood flows out of the penis as the erection softens. Even the slightest alteration in this delicate process can result in erectile dysfunction, including sudden spikes in blood pressure. 

How High Blood Pressure Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction 

Over time, high blood pressure makes the arteries smaller and more rigid. As a result of damage to the arteries, blood flow may start to be weak and inconsistent. This will significantly elevate your risk of a heart attack or stroke.  

An estimated 30% of men who experience high blood pressure will also experience varying levels of erectile dysfunction. There are several medications used to treat high blood pressure that have ED as a possible side effect. 

Can Hypertension Lower Sex Drive?

Men who have trouble reaching an erection may also notice changes in their sex drive. High blood pressure is commonly associated with low testosterone levels.

Testosterone is an important sex hormone responsible for the male sex drive. One study found that men with high blood pressure had lower levels of testosterone than men who did not have high blood pressure.

Can Hypertension Change Sexual Performance?

Issues with the cardiovascular system may cause some issues with energy during sex for some men. High blood pressure can cause blood vessels to harden. This narrows blood vessel walls, making it more difficult for blood to flow into the penis. The inconsistency of erections may change how you are intimate with a partner.

What Medications May Cause Erectile Dysfunction? 

Beta-blockers and diuretics are antihypertensive medications that have erectile dysfunction as a possible side effect. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction while taking either of these medications, speak with a healthcare provider. They may suggest switching your high blood pressure medication.

Diuretics 

Diuretics, sometimes called water pills, have been known to affect blood flow to the penis. People who take diuretics often have lower levels of zinc. The nutrient zinc is a critical component of testosterone production. Lower zinc levels typically result in lower testosterone levels.

Beta Blockers 

Beta-blockers affect parts of the nervous system. Weak nerves reduce the likelihood of getting sexually aroused enough to have an erection. Beta-blockers can also influence the blood flow to the penis, making it more difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.

What Hypertension Medications Don't Cause ED? 

Fortunately, there are drugs available that can treat high blood pressure without increasing your risk of ED. If you have concerns about taking medications for high blood pressure, be sure to reach out to a licensed healthcare provider about alternate options for treatment. While the following medications are not as likely to cause ED, some men may still experience mild symptoms.

Alpha Blockers 

For the most part, alpha blockers do not cause erection problems. In one study, a small number of men found they saw improvements in their erectile dysfunction after being on the alpha-blocker Cardura (doxazosin) for two years. 

ARBs 

ARBs, angiotensin II receptor blockers, are not only unlikely to cause erection problems, but they may improve sexual function in men with high blood pressure. 

One study focused on the ARB called Cozaar (losartan) saw men with improvements in erectile function by the end of the study. At the start of the study, only 7% of the men and women reported feeling sexually satisfied overall. After using Cozaar for 12 weeks, almost 58% said they were sexually satisfied and the percentage of men who reported experiencing erectile dysfunction dropped from 75% to 12%. 

Another study compared the ARB Diovan (valsartan) with the beta blocker Coreg (carvedilol). The study focused on the effect of the two drugs on both blood pressure and the frequency of sexual intercourse.

The drugs were both effective at controlling blood pressure equally, but the people taking the ARB reported having sex more often during the 16 week treatment. They reported having sex about eight times a month before treatment, and 10 times after. People taking the beta blocker reported eight times a month before, and four times a month after. 

ACE Inhibitors 

ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, such as Capoten (captopril), Lotensin (benazepril), and Prinivil (lisinopril) widen the blood vessels to increase blood flow. Erectile dysfunction is a very rare side effect, occurring in less than 1% of patients. 

Calcium Channel Blockers 

Drugs like calcium channel blockers are rarely known to cause erectile dysfunction. Common calcium channel blockers include Norvasc (amlodipine), Cardizem (diltiazem), or Verelan (verapamil). A healthcare provider can help you determine which of these medications is least likely to cause erection problems for you.

Natural Ways To Lower Blood Pressure 

The best way to treat high blood pressure is to speak with a healthcare provider about ways to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. A healthcare provider may recommend various lifestyle changes and medications.

For the most part, high blood pressure is caused by several different factors at once. Here are effective steps you can take to lower blood pressure safely:

• Engaging in cardiovascular exercises. Exercise like jogging or cycling may help to keep your body active and get an adequate amount of exercise daily. Aim for 30 minutes of steady exercise once per day to significantly reduce blood pressure levels.

• Improve your diet. Cut back on foods with high saturated fat. These foods can cause stress on the heart when consumed in excess over time. Increase the amount of vegetables and low-sodium foods you eat. You should also avoid sodium as much as possible.

• Limit your alcohol consumption and quit smoking. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and smoking tobacco can raise your blood pressure over time.

• Losing weight can help lower your blood pressure. High blood pressure is common in men who are extremely overweight or have obesity.

How Rex MD Can Help

Lowering your blood pressure will go a long way in helping to combat erectile dysfunction. Consider eating a well-balanced diet, engaging in exercise, and cutting back on harmful activities may help to keep your blood pressure from spiking and preventing ED.

Rex MD offers ED medications for treating erectile dysfunction. These drugs can help eliminate the symptoms of erectile dysfunction while you work to lower your blood pressure naturally. 

Get started today with finding a medication that helps you maintain a healthy sex life.