Blood Pressure Drugs And ED: What You Really Need To Know?

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is something that most men do not want to experience. Unfortunately, it is a reality that is all too common. High Blood Pressure is just one health concern that can lead one to experience Erectile Dysfunction (ED).

For many men, experiencing ED can be a first sign that their blood pressure may be high. When arteries become clogged, blood flow is restricted to many parts of the body, including the penis. This can create an inability for one to maintain, or sometimes even obtain, an erection.

When blood pressure cannot be lowered through diet and exercise, medications for lowering blood pressure may be prescribed. Unfortunately, many of the most common drugs for lowering blood pressure also list ED as a side effect.

Some of the most commonly used medications for high blood pressure include Water Pills (also known as Diuretics) By decreasing forceful blood flow, achieving an erection can become difficult.

Additionally, they can deplete zinc in the body. Zinc is necessary to create testosterone, which is a primary sex hormone.

So here we have a man with high blood pressure. Because of his high blood pressure, he is unable to maintain (or even obtain) an erection and is, therefore, struggling with sexual anxiety and unable to enjoy being sexual with his partner.

He goes to see his doctor to lower his blood pressure so he can get back to enjoying a healthy sex life. While the medication may serve to lower his blood pressure, it also serves to keep him in a place of inability to have a satisfying sex life.

Unfortunately, it only takes one negative sexual experience to create an anxious state of mind. Once experienced, fears of an inability to form an erection again can cause men to avoid sex altogether.

We tend to mitigate just how negative of an effect not being sexual can have on a person. These anxieties can cause extra strain on a relationship, and on a man’s well-being overall.

So What Is One To Do?

Be honest with your doctor. Share with them your concerns about your sexual dissatisfaction. If you feel your doctor isn’t listening, shop around until you find a doctor who will. Remember, they work for you, not the other way around.

There are a few medications that can help to lower blood pressure that does not have negative sexual side effects, but they are not right for everyone. Discuss with your doctor if any of these medications would be right for you.

These can include:

• ACE inhibitors
• Alpha-Blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• ARBs

Additionally, while it may seem counterintuitive, focus on enjoying sensual pleasure with yourself or a partner without the goal of an erection or orgasm in mind. Many times, we can become so focused on the end goal that we forget to find pleasure in the moment.

By focusing on the sensual pleasures that do not include needing an erection, it is easier to relax. There are many ways to enjoy being sexual with a partner that doesn’t require the use of an erect penis.

Don’t underestimate the pleasure that can be experienced manually and/or orally. While anxiety about performance may not completely fall away, it can certainly be reduced.

Also See: How is Erectile Dysfunction Linked with Your Medications?

Many have found seeking out a sexual health professional to be helpful. Thankfully the internet has made it easier to narrow down specialists of all sorts. A Sexologist, Sex Coach, Sexological Body Worker, or Sexual Surrogate may have just the right insight and tools to help you get back to being your full, happy, sexual, self.

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