To understand the relation between High Blood Pressure and Erectile Dysfunction. First, you need to learn more about how erections work, as the erection process is very complicated.
Erection process: –
For the erection of the male sexual organ these three structures Corpora Cavernosa, Corpus Spongiosum, and Tunica Albuginea of the penis come in charge.
Corpora Cavernosa: –, There are two chambers of sponge-like tissues (Erectile Tissues) side by side in the shaft of the penis which is called corpora cavernosa. These erectile tissues contain blood vessels, nerves, and muscle fibers. Corpora Cavernosa is responsible for erection and extending the length of the penis.
Corpus Spongiosum: – Below Corpora Cavernosa another chamber is presently called Corpus Spongiosum. It surrounds the urethra from where a man can urinate and ejaculate. It consists of almost 90% of blood during a normal erection.
Tunica Albuginea: – Fibrous membrane that covers as well as protects both Corpora Cavernosa and Corpus Spongiosum. It extends the length of the penis during erection and is responsible for maintaining a healthy erection during intimacy.
To achieve an erection brain works with the nerve ending in the penis. Brain and nerves send signals to the male sexual organ to relax and arteries to open wider, which results in the increase of blood flow and filling the open spaces of the penis, Increased blood flow creates pressure on Corpora Cavernosa that lead the penis to erect and extend.
The Membrane (Tunica Albuginea) helps in trapping the blood in Corpora Cavernosa which helps in maintaining a healthy erection.
When you ejaculate then your erection goes away and the penis returns to its normal state. The smooth muscle gets contracted again, pressure from arteries or veins get off and stop the blood from flowing in the penis.
What is Erectile Dysfunction, and its causes?
Erectile Dysfunction is a condition where a man is facing difficulty in getting and maintaining an erection during intimacy with his partner.
For young men, ED is not a very big issue, but as you age your testosterone levels decrease and that may be the reason for Erectile Dysfunction. At that time you are unable to get a firm erection or you need direct touch to your sexual organ. If you are facing these problems, then don’t worry these are the normal changes.
Condition when you seek help from the doctor: –
- Unable to get an erection during intimacy with your partner
- Difficulty in maintaining a hard erection
Causes of ED: –
Approximately 80% is Physical issues that are the major cause of ED: –
- High blood pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Injuries in the nerve of the male sexual organ.
- Smoking and alcoholism
- Medicines like Antipsychotic drugs, Antidepressants, Seizure drugs & Sedatives
and as the mind is also responsible for erection so 20% is Psychological issues: –
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Other Mental issues
How High Blood Pressure Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
As mentioned above 80% of ED is caused due to Physical issues and High Blood Pressure is the major part of it. Due to high blood pressure (Hypertension), the lining of the blood vessel gets damaged, because of this arteries become hardened and narrow, which also reduced the blood flow in the penis.
A decrease in blood flow can cause difficulty for a man to achieve and maintain a proper erection. It also decreases sexual desires. Medicines are lifesavers but some high blood pressure medications can also cause ED related issues.
The most common Hypertension Medicines that affect the erection process are: –
Diuretics: – This is the most common medication that a doctor recommends to control blood pressure. This drug is commonly known as a “water pill” that helps your body to get rid of extra salt and water. Removing extra fluid from your blood vessels decrease the force of blood flow. This will affect your erection because for achieving and maintaining a hard erection you need a consistent amount of force in your blood flow. This drug will also decrease the amount of Zinc in your body and Zinc is very useful for the production of testosterone.
Beta-blockers: – This drug is used to block the effects hormone epinephrine (adrenaline). Also, cause the heart to beat at a slow pace that helps to lower the blood pressure. Beta-blockers blocks certain receptors of the nervous system which is responsible for causing an erection.
Use of Erectile Dysfunction Medication with High Blood Pressure
Before using any kind of Erectile Dysfunction medicine when you are facing High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) issues, then please consult your doctor first. ED medicines include Avanafil (Stendra), vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn), sildenafil (Viagra, Kamagra), and tadalafil (Cialis).
Recommendation: –
Generally, the use of ED drugs is safe for healthy men with high blood pressure. But if you are facing issues in the urinary tract and have a severe cardiovascular disease then these ED medications are not recommended.
So don’t use any ED medicine without consultation from your doctor or general practitioner. If you do so then maybe you have to face some serious health issue or a sudden drop in blood pressure.