High Blood Pressure and Erectile Dysfunction

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Tom Babu, Medical Director, Consultant Diabetologist & Endocrinologist - Written by Jasni Salim - Updated on 05/08/2024

High blood pressure and ED (erectile dysfunction) are often linked because high blood pressure can damage blood vessels which make it hard to get and keep an erection. Over time, high blood pressure can harm the circulatory system and cause health problems like erectile dysfunction. This article will tell you about how high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction are connected, can high blood pressure cause ED, treatments, and other related information below. So keep on reading.

Can High Blood Pressure Cause ED?

High blood pressure can cause erectile dysfunction (ED) and it might even be an early sign of high blood pressure. Blood pressure will affect how blood flows in the body and good blood flow is needed for an erection. When someone has high blood pressure, it will damage blood vessels over time. 

Damaged blood vessels will leak, become narrow or burst which reduce healthy blood flow. This will make it hard to get or keep an erection. High blood pressure can also lead to oxidative stress and mild inflammation which can cause ED. A 2020 review found that 71% of people with severe high blood pressure showed signs of ED.

What are the Causes of High Blood Pressure?

The exact cause of high blood pressure is not known but several factors, conditions and lifestyle habits given below may increase the risk of getting it.

• smoking
• heavy alcohol consumption
• high salt intake
• obesity
• chronic kidney disease
• diet high in cholesterol
• diabetes

What Else Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Diabetes, smoking and drinking a lot of alcohol can cause erectile dysfunction. When combined ED with high blood pressure, these habits will damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. There are also other possible causes which are as follows:

• Being overweight
• Damage to blood vessels
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Neurological illnesses like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
• Anxiety and depression
• Thyroid problems
• Hormonal problems
• Surgery or injury such as prostate cancer surgery
• Medications for other health problems like antidepressants
• Some high blood pressure medications especially at high doses

How it Can be Treated?

If high blood pressure is causing ED, controlling your blood pressure should be a top priority. Here are some simple steps which will help you:

• Reduce stress
• Eat more whole grains, vegetables, fruits and lean protein
• Exercise regularly
• Cut down on sodium (aim for 1,500 milligrams daily), fats and sugars
• Avoid processed foods

These changes can help in managing high blood pressure and ED. Medications that help with ED and high blood pressure include ACE Inhibitors, arterial vasodilators and ARBs. Erectile dysfunction can be upsetting and embarrassing, but you do not have to suffer alone. 

Managing blood pressure first can improve erection problems. The DASH diet will lower blood pressure in two weeks. It includes whole grains, vegetables, fruits and low fat dairy while limiting salt, fat and sugar. Aim for 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day which is about two thirds of a teaspoon of salt.

Avoid processed foods and choose fresh foods with no added preservatives or fats. Check food labels for sodium content and avoid adding extra salt. Exercise will also help you lose weight and reduce ED. It also fights against depression which improves sexual function. You can also aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days a week. If you smoke, consider quitting. Get support from your doctor, family, and friends.

When You Should Contact a Doctor?

Many people do not know they have high blood pressure. Regular erectile dysfunction (ED) can be an early warning sign. If you notice persistent problems of ED with high blood pressure, you should talk to your doctor.

A person with ED might:

• Be able to get an erection sometimes but not every time they want to have sex.
• Be able to get an erection but it does not last long enough for sex.
• Be unable to get an erection at all.

Blood pressure tests and blood flow imaging will help you find out if high blood pressure is causing ED.

Conclusion

High blood pressure can be managed but not cured and some damage to the heart and blood vessels may be permanent. If high blood pressure causes ED, treatments like medications, devices or surgeries will help you get normal erections. Treating high blood pressure may also improve sexual function.

For all your problems of high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction, you can visit Silverline Hospital. The best male infertility doctors in Kochi at Silverline will help you with your health concerns and needs. If you have trouble getting erections connected with high blood pressure, do not hesitate to seek help. Our hospital will offer you the best treatment for male infertility. A healthy sex life is important for a happy life thus consider male infertility treatment in Kochi. Treat ED with high blood pressure just like any other health issue with us.