Sex And Blood Pressure

Hypertension is very common among men and women of different ages in society today. Men and women who suffer from hypertension are susceptible to sexual dysfunction as a result of their disease and their medications.
Many diuretics and beta blocks (the two most popular blood pressure medications) have the unfortunate side effect of weakening ones sex drive and causing erectile problems in men. High blood pressure slows down the blood supply to the penis causing problems with erections. Studies done in Italy showed men with untreated high blood pressure have lower levels of testosterone in their blood. This explains the less active sex lives often found with these conditions. The hypertensive men had about 12% less circulating testosterone proving that sexual dysfunction is more common among men independent of treatment. The studies also demonstrate a relationship between high blood pressure and lowered testosterone levels may be partly responsible for the reduced sexual activity in hypertensive men.
On the other hand, it is unclear whether blood levels of testosterone influence blood pressure control, or whether high blood pressure changes hormone levels. There may be genes involved in blood pressure control that also affects testosterone production, according to Italian researchers.
Researchers have begun to understand that high blood pressure affects the female sexuality as well. The American Journal of Hypertension found that women with hypertension were significantly more likely to suffer pain during intercourse. They were more likely to experience decreased vaginal lubrication and have trouble reaching orgasm. Unfortunately, information on female sexual dysfunction is scarce.