Erectile dysfunction (ED) has been linked to high blood pressure. In some instances, high blood pressure itself causes ED. Or, in other cases, high blood pressure medications may increase the risk of ED symptoms.
What Is the Link Between High Blood Pressure and ED?
The shaft of the penis includes chambers that are responsible for erections. When a man gets an erection, the brain or nerve endings in the penis send signals that cause the muscles in these chambers to relax. At this point, the chambers’ arteries dilate, and a rush of blood fills the chambers’ empty spaces. As blood flows into the penis, the penis grows and becomes stiff, leading to an erection.
Men dealing with high blood pressure may struggle to generate sufficient blood flow to the penis that otherwise leads to an erection. High blood pressure sometimes prevents arteries in the penis from dilating to produce an erection. It may also make it tough for smooth muscle in the penis to relax.
Can High Blood Pressure Drugs Cause ED?
Doctors may prescribe diuretics or beta-blockers to treat high blood pressure in men. These medications have been shown to help men manage their blood pressure. However, in some cases, diuretics and beta-blockers may cause ED.
Diuretics reduce the force of blood flow to the penis. They may also lower the amount of zinc in the body; zinc is required to produce testosterone.
Comparatively, beta-blockers limit nerve impulse responses that lead to erections. They often make it difficult for the arteries in the penis to dilate and limit the amount of blood that enters the arteries to produce an erection. Furthermore, beta-blockers may result in feelings of sedation and depression – both of which can negatively affect a man’s ability to feel sexual arousal.
Is ED Common Among Men with High Blood Pressure?
WebMD reports a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society revealed 49% of men between the ages of 40 and 79 who had high blood pressure also experienced ED symptoms.
Additionally, a Journal of Urology study showed 68% of men had high blood pressure and some degree of ED. In this study, 45% of men experienced high blood pressure and severe ED.
How to Safely Treat High Blood Pressure and ED Symptoms at the Same Time
For men who are currently taking diuretics or beta-blockers to treat high blood pressure, alternative medications are available that may reduce the risk of ED symptoms. These medications include:
- Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors: Help widen blood vessels and boost blood flow to the penis.
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Have been shown to reduce ED symptoms and help improve sexual function in men with high blood pressure.
- Calcium Channel Blockers: Include Amlodipine, Diltiazem, and Verapamil, which rarely cause ED.
Sometimes, doctors recommend men take ED medications in conjunction with their existing high blood pressure drugs. Common ED medications include:
- Cialis
- Levitra
- Staxyn
- Stendra
- Viagra
Doctors may recommend ED medications if a man’s blood pressure is under control. ED medications may be unsafe for men dealing with untreated high blood pressure. They are also unsafe for men who take alpha-blockers for high blood pressure or nitrate drugs for heart disease.
What ED Medication Alternatives Are Available?
In addition to medication, other ED treatment options are available for men dealing with high blood pressure. Common ED medication alternatives include:
- Penile Pumps and Implants: A penile pump requires the placement of a tension ring around the base of the penis to prevent blood from leaving the penis long enough to have sex. Meanwhile, penile implants are inflatable or semi-rigid devices that are surgically placed on either side of the penis.
- Penile Injection Therapy: Penile injection therapy requires an injection into the side of the penis to dilate the arteries and improve blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection.
- Counseling: Counseling helps men address emotional or psychological issues that may cause ED symptoms.
- Surgery: Surgery involves transplanting blood vessels from another part of the body into the penis or inserting a vascular stent to improve blood flow to the penis. If damaged or obstructed blood vessels cause ED, a bypass surgery may be used to correct this issue.
To determine if any of the aforementioned treatments can help address ED symptoms, it is important for a man to consult with a urologist. That way, this individual can work with a urologist to determine the best course of action to safely and effectively address ED.
Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy: A Safe, Effective, and Proven ED Treatment
Low-intensity shockwave therapy (LISWT) is a state-of-the-art procedure designed to treat ED symptoms. It helps men correct ED that occurs due to insufficient blood flow to the penis. Plus, LISWT is a safe, effective ED treatment for men dealing with high blood pressure.
LISWT involves the use of high-frequency, low-intensity sound waves to improve blood flow to the penis. These sound waves simultaneously repair damaged blood vessels and stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, as well as eliminate micro-plaque that may cause a curved, bent, or crooked penis (Peyronie’s disease).
More than 40 clinical studies have shown that LISWT is a viable ED treatment. In fact, studies indicate LISWT delivers a success rate of 75% or greater among ED patients.
Choose Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles for Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
Treating ED can be challenging, particularly for men dealing with high blood pressure. At Comprehensive Urology, our team of friendly, knowledgeable urologists is happy to help patients alleviate their ED symptoms. We work with each ED patient and offer a personalized treatment plan designed to deliver immediate and long-lasting results. To find out more about our ED treatment options, please contact us today at (310) 499-2756 to schedule a consultation with one of our urologists.