Erectile Dysfunction

Does Beta Blockers Cause Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an issue related to sexual health in males. It does not happen on its own. It is the result of some underlying health condition or several factors. They include mental health concerns, chronic smoking, excessive use of alcohol, injuries, surgery, or medicinal side reactions.

Sometimes some medications taken for managing some health condition might give rise to sexual side effects. Certain categories of medicines like beta blockers, which are used for treating high blood pressure might cause erectile dysfunction in males.

According to various sources, erectile dysfunction can be a potential side effect of beta-blocker medicines.     

How do beta blockers work?  

Beta-blocker medicines, also known as Beta-adrenergic blockers, are the agents that help lower blood pressure in individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension). It reduces the risk of heart damage and cardiovascular disorders.   

The medicine is a blocking agent that works by inhibiting the release of chemicals or stress hormones in certain body parts. These chemicals are both a hormone and a neurotransmitter that regulates the flight or fight response of the body.

The medicine blocks their action and reduces the pressure with which the blood flows through the arteries. Healthcare professionals prescribe beta-blocker medicines when other medications are not obtaining the desired result.

The use of Beta-blockers can be combined with several other drugs to prevent unusual blood pressure spikes. This prevents the risk of heart damage. Several other side effects of these medicines are weight gain, fatigue, cold feet or hands, depression, insomnia, and breathing difficulties.

What triggers erectile dysfunction?    

Erectile dysfunction can be the result of limited blood flow to the penile. Lack of adequate blood supply in the penile affects the quality of erections. Such people experience weaker erections or no erections at all.

Since the erection function is massively dependent on vascular health, it can happen because of the damaged penile blood vessels. Vascular health is affected when there is a reduction in the levels of nitric oxide (NO) in the body.

Nitric oxide is a vasodilator chemical that keeps the blood vessels functioning optimally. When the blood vessels begin to damage, their endothelium stops releasing nitric oxide. This causes the penile blood vessels to become narrow and thus the blood flow to the penile is restricted.

However, the function of the penile blood vessels can be revived with the help of oral medications like Filagra CT 100. These medicines trigger vasodilation in the penile, which boosts the flow of blood to the penile. It helps get stronger erections.

How do beta blockers lead to erectile dysfunction?

High blood pressure is one of the chronic illnesses that is a primary cause of erectile dysfunction. It is a chronic health condition that develops over time. It can be the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices such as an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and exercise, excessive smoking, and so on.    

To manage the condition and prevent the risk of heart disease, it is necessary to seek treatment. Your healthcare provider will prescribe some medications to ease the blood flow throughout the body. Beta-blockers can effectively slow down the heartbeats and prevent damage.  

Erectile dysfunction is an occasional side effect of beta-blocker medicines. Not all drugs that come under the beta-blocker category lead to erectile dysfunction. Some of them have vasoconstriction qualities, which causes the blood vessels to become narrow. Whereas some beta-blockers have vasodilation qualities.   

Due to the effects of the medicine, the blood vessels become narrow. This hinders the flow of blood inside the penile tissues. Lack of adequate blood supply prevents the blood flow inside and as a result, men face difficulties in getting and sustaining erections.    

Who should not use beta-blockers?

The use of these medicines is contraindicated in some men. Those with some long-term health conditions like diabetes, asthma, and high cholesterol, should never use these medicines without a doctor’s consultation.

There is a high chance that the body may react in a certain way after taking the drug. This change might not be favorable and prove to be risky for those living with such health conditions. The doctor will prescribe you a suitable medicine by considering several factors.   

The lowdown

Beta-blocker medications have two categories, some of them cause vasodilation while others have vasoconstriction qualities. Vasoconstriction is usually the side effect of these medications.      

Those medicines that cause vasoconstriction might lead to impotence issues. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing difficulties with your erection function. They might either reduce your dose or prescribe some other medicine.    

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