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High blood pressure and sex: Overcome the challenges
High blood pressure medication side effects in men: Sexual problems
Content
Challenges for men
Challenges for women
Sexual side effects of high blood pressure medications
Medications less likely to cause sexual side effects
Erectile dysfunction drugs and high blood pressure
Be honest with your doctor
Promote overall health
Set the stage for satisfying sex
High blood pressure medication side effects in men: Sexual problems
High blood pressure medications that can cause sexual dysfunction as a side effect include:
- Water pills (diuretics). Diuretics can decrease forceful blood flow to the penis, making it difficult to achieve an erection. They can also deplete the body of zinc, which is necessary to make the sex hormone testosterone.
- Beta blockers. These medications, especially older generation beta blockers such as propranolol (Inderal, Innopran XL), are commonly associated with sexual dysfunction.
To reduce the risk of side effects from these medications, including sexual problems, take medications exactly as prescribed. If you still have side effects, talk to your doctor about other possible medications that may have fewer side effects.
