How High Blood Pressure Affects Men’s Sexual Health

According to the American Heart Association, hypertension affects nearly half of adults in the United States. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is most common among those aged 50 and older, and as many as 90% of adults can expect to develop high blood pressure during their lives.

While it is well-known that high blood pressure (HBP) is the leading cause of heart disease and stroke if left untreated, it also can affect your sexual health and performance. Bringing your blood pressure into the healthy range not only improves your overall health but also reduces the risk of sexual performance problems and improves your sexual confidence.

How does high blood pressure affect sexual performance?

High blood pressure affects the flow of blood throughout your entire body. HBP also puts additional stress on all of your organs, and it’s linked to erection issues. According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 30% of men with HBP have some erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when hormones are not distributed effectively due to ineffective blood flow. HBP can damage or overwork your blood vessels resulting in less consistent blood flow to the pelvic region. This condition can make it more difficult to develop and maintain an erection.

Even prehypertension or slightly elevated blood pressure can impact sexual performance. However, prehypertension is only treated if you have a coexisting condition such as diabetes.

How does high blood pressure affect testosterone?

Blood pressure and testosterone influence each other, with testosterone contributing to a higher rate of heart disease and high blood pressure. Men with high blood pressure are twice as likely to have low testosterone (Low T), according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. An essential male hormone testosterone supports your sex drive, sperm production, strength and muscle mass, bone dentist, and red blood cell production.

The biggest concerns of men with untreated Low T are decreased libido and performance If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction or a decreased sexual desire, it’s important to consult with a men’s health professional to understand the causes and get the proper treatment.

How can I reduce my blood pressure?

The first thing you should do is consult your physician if you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure. He or she can recommend lifestyle changes to safely reduce and regulate your HBP. Here are some steps you can take to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of ED:

Lose weight. Blood pressure often increases as your weight increases. If you carry some extra weight, especially around your midsection, diet and lifestyle changes can help you return both to a healthy range.
Exercise regularly. Exercise, even as little as 30 minutes per day, is enough to reduce your blood pressure. Consult with your physician about developing an exercise program.
Change your diet. Eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products and limited saturated fats and cholesterol can lower your blood pressure.
Reduce sodium intake. Reducing your consumption of sodium-heavy food is an effective way to lower your blood pressure. To reduce sodium, limit processed food and don’t use salt to flavor your food.
Limit alcohol. One or two drinks per day can reduce your blood pressure, but too much alcohol can raise it. Excessive alcohol can also lower the effects of blood pressure medications.
Quit smoking. Not only will stopping smoking help bring your blood pressure to normal levels, but it will also reduce your heart disease risk and improve your overall health.

Florida Men’s Health Center is the state’s premier health clinic for men. Our main goal is to get you on a healthier path by working together to determine the source of your problem and helping you regain your sexual health. There’s a reason Florida Men’s Health has five-star reviews on Google. Quite simply, we are the best at what we do when it comes to ED and sexual health.

Call us today at 954 509-9111 to schedule your free consultation. Now offering virtual visits!

Sources

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure/how-high-blood-pressure-can-affect-your-sex-life

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure-and-sex/art-20044209