Treatments and sexual function

This study investigated the effects of different treatments for hypertension (high blood pressure) on sexual activity and function among middle aged patients.

Hypertension significantly raises the risk for serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes and early death. Therefore, treatment of hypertension to reduce blood pressure values is crucial. Four main classes of drugs are commonly used to treat hypertensive patients. Calcium channel blockers (CCB's) reduce blood pressure by relaxing the muscle cells in the blood vessel walls. Beta-blockers reduce blood pressure due to their relaxing effect on the heart. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB's) reduce blood pressure by inhibiting the constricting effect of the hormone angiotensin II on the blood vessels. Diuretics reduce blood pressure by stimulating the production and release of urine, thus reducing the volume of blood.

However, some treatments are known to cause several side effects such as erectile and sexual dysfunction. This study investigated sexual activity and reported performance problems among middle-aged adults treated by different anti-hypertensive medications.

The sexual activity of 3005 middle-aged adults was investigated in this study. Participants were categorized according to their disease status (treated hypertension, untreated hypertension, or no hypertension).

Among men, 66.5% of treated hypertension patients reported being sexually active, compared to 75.9% of patients with untreated hypertension (those not receiving any medications).  69.1% of men treated for hypertension reported sexual problems, while only 57.7% of patients with untreated hypertension, and 54.3% of men without hypertension reported any dysfunction.

Among women, 35.2% of treated hypertensive women and 38.3% of untreated hypertensive women reported being sexually active. Compared to these, 58% of women without hypertension reported sexual activity. 73.7 % of treated hypertensive women reported sexual problems. Compared to these, 65.3% of untreated hypertensive women and 71.7% of women without hypertension reported sexual problems.

Sexual activity was lower among men receiving beta-blockers and diuretics, however, no significant difference was seen between the other classes of anti-hypertensive medications.

This study concluded that among middle-aged adults, treatment of hypertension is only slightly associated with changes in sexual activity and function.

Although a trend towards decreased sexual activity and increased dysfunction was seen among treated hypertension patients, this was not found to be statistically significant when analysis was performed accounting for multiple variables.

Consult with your physician regarding the possible side effects of anti-hypertensive treatments and how to improve sexual function.