Blood Pressure & ED

As men age, their ability to perform may not be quite to the standards of their younger years – many blame it on stress and age, but is the culprit in your medicine cabinet?

Helping Men with Stress & Erectile Performance

When a man becomes aroused, arteries and blood flow to the penile region will dilate allowing an increased blood flow so that is he able to attain and maintain an erection. However, a man on blood pressure medication is taking something that affects his blood flow making it more difficult to achieve the erection he and his partner desire. A common form of blood pressure medications is a beta blocker, these types of medications, however, are not specific and target many receptors in the body – including the arteries in the penis. These blocked receptors interfere with the arteries ability to dilate and become engorged with the blood necessary for an erection to occur.

Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, sometimes abbreviated as HCTZ, are often added to a patient’s blood pressure treatment regimen to help control some of the side effects of the high blood pressure. This type of medication causes a decrease of fluid in the body, contributing to less blood flow, decreased volume, and lower force of blood to the penis. Another issue with diuretics is that they can deplete the body of necessary minerals such as Zinc. Zinc is critical for testosterone production and, with lowered levels, libido and erections may also be affected.

Untreated high blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels and blood flow can be reduced due to blockages. The most efficient way to solve this issue is to modify diet and increase exercise, to alleviate the decrease in performance and improve overall health. If necessary, seek out professional help there are many new advances in ED treatment so that both you and your partner are satisfied.

Learn More: About Erectile Dysfunction

Sources: WebMD,  Mayo Clinic, Healthline, and HealthyGains.com