High blood pressure(hypertension) is a leading cause oferectile dysfunction(ED).
Certainhigh blood pressure drugscan also cause ED, while some other blood pressure medications improve ED.
High blood pressure damages blood vessels, reducing blood flow throughout the body, including the penis.
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Hardened and narrow blood vessels make it difficult for blood to flow into the penis before intercourse.
Erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of damaged blood vessels.
This change in sexual function is sometimes an indicator of a larger problem, prompting people to seek help.
Can ED from high blood pressure be reversed?
ACE inhibitors work by blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II.
Blocking this effect results in a relaxing of blood vessels and a decrease in blood pressure.
It also means that it can help promote blood flow to certain areas of the body like the penis.
ACE inhibitors also reduce the workload of the heart which can increase stamina and sexual performance.
Studies have shown that lisinopril has a neutral effect on erectile function.
You may experience an erection as quickly as 10 minutes after that.
Alprostadil is also available as a urethral suppository for those who prefer a non-injectable form of therapy.
ARBs are a group of drugs used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
These medications work by blocking the action of a chemical (angiotensin) which narrows the blood vessels.
As a result, blood vessels widen, increasing blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
In some people, this effect also improves erectile function.
This effect can help facilitate blood flow to the penis.
Can you take Viagra if you’re on blood pressure medication?
In fact, it’s estimated that 25% of all ED is because of medication.
The following drug classes have been linked to increased risk of ED.
If you have concerns about medications you are taking, talk with your healthcare provider about other available options.
You should never start or stop a blood pressure medication without medical supervision.
This helps lower blood pressure by decreasing the amount of blood the heart has to pump.
Some research suggests beta-blockers may decrease blood flow to the penis, making it difficult to get an erection.
This relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow.
Common calcium channel blockers prescribed for high blood pressure include:
Does amlodipine cause erectile dysfunction?
Amlodipine rarely causes erectile dysfunction, although there are some scientists who still debate amlodipines role in ED.
They can work with you to substitute a different one or help troubleshoot your problem.
Thus, it may take some time for your erections to return after stopping a high blood pressure medication.
Summary
High blood pressure can damage blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your penis.
When blood flow to the penis is reduced, you may develop erectile dysfunction.
It is possible to reverse ED when it’s because of high blood pressure and you are otherwise healthy.
Certain blood pressure medications can help, but some have been known to raise the risk of ED.
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