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Hypertension & Sexual Problems
Blood vessels damaged from high blood pressure reduce blood flow throughout your body, including your lower body. Lesser blood flow to the pelvis can affect the sex lives of hypertension patients whether it be a male or a female. People with high blood pressure are in danger of various things. Sexual dysfunction may be one of them. It’s hard to know if it is high blood pressure to blame, or its treatment.
Problems For Men
When a man has had high blood pressure for a long time, he may develop atherosclerosis which limits blood flow to the penis. For some men, the decreased blood flow makes it difficult to achieve and maintain erections. This problem is called erectile dysfunction. It is common in patients with high blood pressure. Even a single episode of erectile dysfunction can cause anxiety. It can result in reduced sexual desire. Some blood pressure medications may cause erectile dysfunction as well. Men should discuss their concerns with their doctors.
Problems For Women
High blood pressure’s effect on the sex life of women is not well understood. But it’s possible that high blood pressure may disturb a woman’s sex life. Hypertension brings many problems, in women it may reduce blood flow to the vagina and may lower levels of nitric oxide, which is a chemical that helps smooth muscles relax. In some women, this may cause: Reduced sex drive or arousal, Difficulty achieving orgasm and, Vaginal dryness.
But using certain lubrication products and learning different ways to improve arousal may help. Like men, women also face sexual dysfunction, if they have high blood pressure. They should also talk to a doctor about their concerns.
Side Effects Of Hypertension Medicines
The bad news about hypertension is that even the medicine for treating high blood pressure has side effects. Some of the drugs used for hypertension can impact your sexual function negatively. These medicines could be-
Diuretics- Diuretics consume the body of zinc, which is required to make the sex hormone testosterone. Diuretics make it difficult to achieve an erection because they can decrease forceful blood flow to the penis.
Beta-blockers- These medications, especially older generation beta-blockers such as propranolol are usually responsible for sexual dysfunction.
Following a healthy diet and exercising can help you lower the risk of side effects of these medications, including sexual problems. If that does not work, talk to your doctor about other possible medications that may have fewer side effects.
Switching to a newer type of beta-blocker improves symptoms in some men and women. Your doctor may even suggest you stop taking medicines for a while if that is possible to see if the sexual symptoms improve. Just be honest with your doctor and tell them about every medicine you take including herbal medications.
Medicines For Erectile Dysfunction
Men with hypertension can take some medications for treating erectile dysfunction but they should check with their doctors first. These drugs include sildenafil or viagra, vardenafil or Levitra, staxyn, and tadalafil. The pill forms are generally considered safe for men with high blood pressure who are in otherwise good health.
But these drugs are not recommended for men with severe cardiovascular disease or for men with high blood pressure who have difficulties with urination or other urinary tract problems. But do not take these drugs with nitrates which are used to treat chest pain. Doing so can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure which is very dangerous for health.
How does Exercise help?
Exercising regularly makes you less likely to suffer from sexual dysfunction. Burning calories helps you tone your body and lose weight, which may increase your self-confidence. Many studies have shown that exercising is also helpful in fighting depression. If you have high self-esteem and feel good, you are most likely to feel sexually confident. And feeling confident will help you perform well sexually.
When it comes to exercise, you do not have to follow any intense, heavy workouts. Just find a way to get your body moving and your heart rate up with 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days a week.
Does Smoking Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
We all know that smoking cigarette is bad for your health. But did you know that there is a link between smoking and sexual dysfunction? Smoking damages the blood vessels, causing high blood pressure. So quit smoking and get support from your doctors to quit smoking.
Sex, High Blood Pressure, And Heart Attacks
Many high blood pressure patients have this question in their mind that- is it dangerous to have sex if they have high blood pressure.
It is logical to wonder if it is safe to have sex if you have hypertension. People wonder if they would have a heart attack because of overstimulation and over-exertion. Well, some people are not able to have sex if they have hypertension. Some hypertension patients have suffered from heart attacks while having sex. Some patients have also suffered from heart attacks while doing some daily activities like watching a football match or taking a shower. A heart attack often occurs suddenly without showing any warning signs. But when it comes to sex the risk is very small. Sex does cause a rise in blood pressure but not as much that it can cause any danger. If we look at the statistics, according to research, of all heart attacks, less than 1 percent are caused by extra exertion by having sex.
If you are experiencing sexual dysfunction, it’s best to consult a doctor. Remember no question is bad if it involves your health. Take the required medicines and talk to your doctor about what is working best for you. It is best to stay in touch with a doctor if you are experiencing any side effects of medicines.
A Word From Mantra Care
If you are looking for an affordable hypertension treatment MantraCare can help- Book a trial hypertension care session
