Blood Pressure Medications Don’t Cause Erectile Dysfunction

Blood pressure medications are essential for treating high blood pressure (hypertension). People with hypertension are highly prone to erectile dysfunction (ED). It is not uncommon that the side effects of blood pressure medications can contribute to erectile dysfunction and worsen it.    

But do you know, certain blood pressure medications do not pose the risk of erectile dysfunction. In this blog, we will get to know about such medications, but first, let us understand the anatomy of erectile dysfunction.         

What is erectile dysfunction and its causes?       

• In general, Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sexual difficulty. It is characterized by an inability to get or sustain firmer erections. The person will struggle to attain erections despite becoming sexually aroused. This happens because of a lack of blood flow to the penile.       
• The blood flow gets hindered because of various reasons. The reason for this may vary from one person to another. Some may develop this difficulty after some physiological factors, whereas others might develop it due to psychological reasons.     
• Lifestyle plays an equally important role when it comes to sexual health. Poor lifestyle habits and choices impact sexual function. Apart from that, injuries, surgical procedures, and accidents can also lead to erectile dysfunction.  

Blood pressure medications that improve ED   

Erectile dysfunction can be a side effect of blood pressure medications. Although the possibility of impotence is usually high among hypertensive individuals, blood pressure medicines can make it even worse. They contribute to erection difficulties.  

However, this is not true in the case of all blood pressure medications. Certain classes of blood medications do not give rise to the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. According to the website called Verywell Health, BP medications that do not cause impotence are:     

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

• Studies have shown that these medications do not contribute to erectile dysfunction. They might instead improve the erection function to some extent. These belong under the class of medicines that lower the blood pressure.   
• These medicines work by suppressing the action of an enzyme known as Angiotensin, hence the name. The enzyme Angiotensin present in the blood can cause constriction and narrowing of the blood vessels.   
• An increase in the levels of Angiotensin enzyme in the bloodstream can lead to vascular damage. However, ARBs inhibit the action of these enzymes and prevent their levels from rising. They are responsible for reducing blood pressure and facilitating an abundant flow of blood throughout the body.
• These medicines relieve constriction and dilate the blood vessels to improve circulation. As a result, the blood vessels remain dilated, which improves the blood flow to all body parts. The boost of blood supply to the penile improves the sexual response.   

Angiotensin-Converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

• These medicines lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing heart-related disorders. Apart from treating hypertension, these medicines are also prescribed for the treatment of heart disease and kidney disorders.  
• Their function is to negate the action of Angiotensin-converting enzymes. By doing so, they prevent the rise in blood pressure. Since, the blood pressure increases because of constriction and narrowing of the blood vessels. ACE inhibitors overcome constriction and narrowing of the blood vessels by causing vasodilation.    
• Vasodilation allows more blood to flow through the blood vessels. The expansion of blood vessels reduces blood pressure and improves blood circulation. The blood flow to the penile also improves, which subsides the erection difficulties.  

Alpha blockers  

• Alpha blockers belong under a class of medicines that influence the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline. By doing so, they prevent the narrowing of the blood vessels.
• Adrenaline and noradrenaline are responsible for causing constriction and narrowing of the blood vessels. These medicines inhibit the action of these hormones and keep the blood vessels dilated. In this way, the medicine decreases blood pressure.   
• Besides, the suppression of Adrenaline and noradrenaline can also benefit the sexual functioning. It can improve the erection function.

Blood pressure medications that contribute to erectile dysfunction

There are some classes of medications that can potentiate your chances of developing erectile dysfunction. They are as follows:

Beta blockers   

According to the National Institute of Health, people who use beta blockers are highly likely to develop erectile dysfunction. They may also experience the symptoms of other sexual disorders.   

Diuretics  

Also called Water pills, diuretics eliminate the excess water and salt from the body by causing frequent urination. This reduces blood pressure, and the heart will not be compelled to pump the blood with too much force. Thus, these medicines prevent heart damage.    

However, these medicines can contribute to erectile dysfunction. The root cause of it is not known yet, but diuretics increase the likelihood of developing impotence.     

Erectile dysfunction treatment  

For treating erectile dysfunction, one can use Filagra medications. These medications are reliable since they are made of Sildenafil. This medicine might be compatible with certain types of blood pressure medicines.     

So, one must be careful, as highly effective ED medicine like Filagra might interact with blood pressure medicine and give rise to adverse effects.   

You must talk to your doctor in case you are already taking blood pressure medicine and considering the use of ED medicine to overcome erectile dysfunction.