Ask An Expert: Medications and Erectile Dysfunction

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Ask An Expert: Medications and Erectile Dysfunction

Question:

If you have been taking high blood pressure medications for a long time with no side effects can you still develop erectile dysfunction?

Answer:

While some blood pressure medications can cause erectile dysfunction, more often other causes play a major role. Chronic conditions such as hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), diabetes and high blood pressure contribute to erectile dysfunction. And, of course, getting older increases the risk of developing erectile dysfunction.

If a man develops erectile dysfunction while taking the same medications for high blood pressure for years, the blood pressure medications are unlikely to be the major cause. A new medicine prescribed for a different reason might be contributing to the problem.

Other changes a man can make that might help maintain erections include quitting smoking, keeping alcohol consumption at two drinks per day or less and getting more exercise.

When blood pressure has remained well controlled for years with the same medications, I generally don't like to make any changes. More often than not, starting a new medicine introduces new side effects and blood pressure gets a little out of control.

Men with stable blood pressure who are not taking any form of nitroglycerin or nitrate will usually see improvement in erectile dysfunction with Cialis, Levitra or Viagra.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is chief editor of Internet Publishing at Harvard Health Publications. He is recognized as an outstanding clinician and teacher and is a recipient of the Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year award at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. LeWine continues to practice Internal Medicine; most recently he became a hospitalist after practicing primary care for over 20 years.

Last updated:	July 16, 2007