One reason erectile dysfunction becomes more common with age is that
older men are more likely to be on some kind of medication. In fact, an
estimated 25% of all ED is a side effect of drugs, according to the
Harvard Special Health Report Erectile Dysfunction: How medication, lifestyle changes, and other therapies can help you conquer this vexing problem.
The most common types of medication that are linked to ED include
antidepressants, anti-ulcer drugs, tranquilizers, and diuretics—which
help the body get rid of sodium and water, and are used to treat heart
failure, liver failure, and certain kidney disorders.
Propecia, which is used to counteract baldness, is also reported to
cause ED in 1.3% of men who use it. Other medications that may trigger
ED are antihistamines, anti-androgens (used to treat prostate cancer),
anticholinergics (used to treat an overactive bladder, incontinence,
COPD, and symptoms of Parkinson's disease), and some anticancer drugs.
However, the most common type of drug that may lead to ED is blood
pressure medication. ED and high blood pressure often go hand in hand.
Men with ED are about 38% more likely to have high blood pressure than
those without ED, according to a study that examined the medical records
of more than 1.9 million men.
The connection is not too surprising since ED often occurs in men who
smoke or are overweight, both of which are common risk factors for high
blood pressure. ED also might serve as a warning sign for undiagnosed
high blood pressure or heart disease.
Although all types of blood pressure medications may cause ED, the
problem seems to be greatest with diuretics and beta blockers and less
so with alpha blockers, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin-receptor
blockers.
Sometimes the link between high blood pressure drugs and ED is
psychological. It is possible that being aware of a drug's possible ED
side effects could make a man experience symptoms.
One study looked at men newly diagnosed with heart disease, but
without ED, who started treatment with the beta blocker atenolol
(Tenormin). Among those who were told about the drug's potential sexual
side effects, almost a third reported ED. In contrast, of those who were
not told the drug's name or its side effects, only 3% said they
experienced ED.
If you are taking any medications, consult with your doctor to see if
the medications may be associated with your ED. Make sure to report all
the drugs you take on a regular basis—both prescription and
over-the-counter.
If your doctor suspects that a medication is to blame for your ED, he
or she may be able to substitute another drug, or perhaps change your
dosage. Keep in mind that it can take from several days to several weeks
after stopping or changing a medication for erections to return.
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