Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a widespread problem for middle-aged and older men. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension (high blood pressure) increase a man’s risk of developing ED.
A significant link between hypertension and ED has been shown in men, so let’s take a moment to talk about how to manage your blood pressure and prevent ED.
How does high blood pressure affect ED?
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, but, over time, it can damage the lining of your blood vessels. It also causes arteries to harden and narrow, which limits blood flow. This means less blood flow to the penis.
For some men, less blood flow causes ED – difficulty getting and keeping an erection. In addition to the physical issue, ED may also lead to anxiety and cause men to avoid sex.
Controlling your blood pressure:
Living a healthy lifestyle can help lower blood pressure, helping to prevent ED and other sex-related conditions over time. Some healthy lifestyle tips include:
- Giving up smoking and all tobacco-use
- Eating healthy foods
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Using less salt
- Getting regular exercise
- Losing extra pounds
Blood pressure medications and ED:
In general, treatment for hypertension has been shown to have a positive effect on ED, however, some hypertension treatments can be a double-edged sword. While they work to lower blood pressure and reduce risk of heart disease and stroke, some hypertension medications can cause ED as a side effect. And the word is out! Many men are rethinking their hypertension medications because of this.
Fortunately, not all hypertension medications are created equally in this regard. Thiazide diuretics are the most likely offender, with a 17.1% likelihood of developing ED. Angiotensin-receptor blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers are not associated with an increased risk of ED.
What you need to know:
Living with hypertension doesn’t mean giving up a good sex life! Talk openly and honestly with your doctor about managing your treatment and solving any problems you may have.
If you develop ED after starting a hypertension medication, tell your doctor to see if you can switch to a medication not associated with an increased risk of ED. If that doesn’t work, ask about a trial of a PDE-5 inhibitor or explore other common causes of ED, such as psychosocial or urological factors.
If you have any questions about hypertension or ED, talk with your doctor or make an appointment at Sun River Health. To find a Sun River Health location near you, visit sunriver.org.
About Sun River Health: Sun River Health is a network of 48 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) providing primary, dental, pediatric, OB-GYN, and behavioral health care to over 250,000 patients annually. With a dedicated staff of 2,000 doctors, nurses, and health care professionals, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, affordable care to those who need it most. Sun River Health started in 1975 when four African American mothers started efforts to open our first health center in Peekskill, New York to deliver accessible, high-quality, affordable health care services to patients in need – no matter their race, religion, income, or insurance status. Today, after more than 45 years of service, Sun River Health is still delivering on that promise to communities across the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island. For more information, visit sunriver.org