People who have a blood pressure reading above 140/90mm Hg may be diagnosed with a medical condition called high blood pressure, or hypertension, MayoClinic.com reports. In addition to maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, high blood pressure medication may be prescribed by a doctor to help patients manage hypertension symptoms. High blood pressure medications, such as beta and calcium channel blockers or vasodilators, can cause sexual side effects in treated patients. Patients should discuss these side effects with a doctor and their intimate partner before beginning treatment with hypertension medication.
Impotence
Male patients who take high blood pressure medication can experience impotence as a side effect of treatment. In clinical trials for lisinopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, or ACE inhibitor, approximately 1 percent of men developed impotence, according to RxList. Impotence is a condition characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is suitable for sexual penetration. This side effect occurs because high blood pressure medications decrease the amount of force the heart needs to generate to push blood through the body. Consequently, rapid blood flow to the penis, which is necessary for an erection to develop, may not occur during treatment with hypertension medication.
Difficulty Having an Orgasm
Both men and women treated with high blood pressure medication, such as valsartan, an angiotensin II reception blocker, can experience difficulty having an orgasm during sexual stimulation, Drugs.com reports. An orgasm occurs in part due to increased blood flow to the genital region. While a patient is taking high blood pressure medication, the rate of blood flow to the genitals during arousal may be slower than usual. Depending upon the patient, it may take longer to orgasm or orgasm may not occur.
Decreased Libido
Patients taking high blood pressure medication, such as nadolol, a beta blocker, can experience a decrease in their sexual libido or desire as a side effect of treatment, according to RxList. Diminished sexual interest can arise in conjunction with impotence or difficulty achieving orgasm and can have a significant impact on a patient's intimate relationships. If low libido side effects are bothersome, patients should discuss their concerns with a medical professional.
