Impact of Hypertension on Male Sexual Performance
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, may have a significant impact on male sexual performance. Hypertension occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is consistently higher than the normal range. This condition can damage the blood vessels, including those of the genital area, and reduce blood flow to the penis, leading to erectile dysfunction (ED).
High blood pressure often has no symptoms. But over time, high blood pressure damages the lining of the blood vessels. It also causes arteries to harden and narrow, a condition known as atherosclerosis. The condition limits blood flow. This means that less blood flows to the penis. [1]
How does hypertension impact male sexual performance?
- Blood vessel damage: ED is a common problem for men with high blood pressure. It can be caused by both hypertension itself or the medications used to treat it. Several types of blood pressure medications, including beta-blockers, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers, can contribute to ED by decreasing blood flow to the penis or interfering with nerve signals that trigger an erection.
- Less nitric oxide: High blood pressure can also damage the lining of the blood vessels in the penis, reducing the amount of nitric oxide produced. Nitric oxide is a chemical that helps relax the blood vessels and increase blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, leading to an erection. When there is not enough nitric oxide, or it is not being produced properly, it can make it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.
- Decreased sex drive: In addition to ED, high blood pressure can also affect male sexual performance by causing decreased libido or sex drive. This can be due to the physical effects of hypertension on the body, as well as the emotional stress and anxiety that can come with managing a chronic condition.
Management
There are steps men can take to manage high blood pressure and improve their sexual function. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet low in sodium and saturated fats, getting regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and taking medications for ED.
Medications
There are several medications available to treat ED. Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) are pills for ED. You can take them in combination with blood pressure medications to improve ED. Notice that, these medications should only be taken with the guidance of your doctor. As they can interact with other medications and have potential side effects.
SUMMARY
high blood pressure, (known as hypertension), can have a significant impact on male sexual performance. It can cause erectile dysfunction (ED) and decreased libido. But, with proper management of hypertension and addressing the ED, men can improve their sexual function and overall quality of life.
SOURCES
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure-and-sex/art-20044209
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure/how-high-blood-pressure-can-affect-your-sex-life
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/high-blood-pressure-and-erectile-dysfunction-5201662
- https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/guide/blood-pressure-medication-and-ed
- https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/high-blood-pressure-erectile-dysfunction
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9122-sexual-dysfunction-in-males
