Male impotence is a condition in which a man is unable to have a normal erection. In this disorder, a man may be unable to have an erection or maintain one long enough to satisfy sexual intercourse. Male impotence is also referred to as erectile dysfunction and affects many men at different points in their lives. Certain drugs may contribute to male impotence.
Diuretics
Erectile dysfunction is a major side effect of diuretics. Diuretics are drugs used to treat patients with heart disease such as heart failure or high blood pressure. When fluids build up in the body, they cause the body's blood volume to go up. This leads to high blood pressure and an increased workload for the heart because it has to pump more blood. Diuretics help by removing excess fluid from the body through urination. This, in turn, decreases the amount of blood flow to the penis, thereby resulting in erectile dysfunction.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are a class of high blood pressure medicines that can contribute to male impotence. They are used to treat hypertension, also called high blood pressure. They reduce blood pressure by stimulating the blood vessels to dilate or expand. This action then reduces the force of the heart's pumping action and slows down heart rate. The result is a reduced blood supply to the genitals due to lower blood pressure, making erection difficult to achieve or maintain.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are a class of drugs used to treat depression. They work by increasing the levels of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. According to MayoClinic.com, serotonin is a chemical that is associated with depression; its presence in the brain improves mood. Drugs in this class of medication, however, have a side effect of sexual dysfunction. The text "Adverse Drug Reactions" by Anne Lee says that erectile dysfunction is associated with all medications used to treat depression. In the case of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, it may be because serotonin seems to be able to inhibit sexual function.
References
- "The Harvard Medical School Guide to Men's Health: Lessons from the Harvard Men's Health Studies"; Harvey B. Simon
- "Side Effects of Drugs Annual 26: A Worldwide Yearly Survey of New Data and Trends in Adverse Drug Reactions"; J. K. Aronson
- "Adverse Drug Reactions"; Anne Lee
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- MayoClinic.com: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
