The impact of taking antihypertensive drugs on sexual function

Patients with hypertension need to take medication for a long time to control their blood pressure, but for many men, long-term use of antihypertensive drugs will actually affect sexual function. Therefore, when taking medication, you should also pay attention to your physical condition.

Many antihypertensive drugs do reduce sexual desire and inhibit male sexual function.

1. Guanethidine, reserpine, hydralazine, propranolol, clonidine, etc.;

2. Diuretics: such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, spironolactone, etc.;

3. β-blockers. The chemical names of these drugs all end with "Lol", such as metoprolol, bisoprolol, etc.; 4.

Calcium ion antagonists, abbreviated as CCB, are a type of drug that dilates blood vessels. They are widely used because they can quickly lower blood pressure. Their chemical names all contain "dipine", such as nitrodipine and amlodipine.

5. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, abbreviated as ACEI, the mechanism of action of this type of drug is to reduce the production of angiotensin II in patients with hypertension, which on the one hand relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure; on the other hand, it reduces abnormal tissue remodeling and protects target organs;

6. Angiotensin II receptor antagonists, abbreviated as ARB, are the latest type of antihypertensive drugs developed based on ACEI. The commonly used drugs in the first category are "reserpine", which can indirectly reduce sexual desire, and clonidine, which can cause impotence or sexual dysfunction in 10-20% of men; the second category of drugs can inhibit sexual desire, erectile function and ejaculation function, but they can be restored after stopping the drug; the third category of drugs can cause sexual dysfunction in 5% of men, especially has a significant inhibition of sexual desire, and compliance is often poor; the fourth category of drugs mainly affects sexual desire and ejaculation function; the fifth category of drugs has no adverse effects on sexual function; the representative drug of the sixth category is called "Diovan", which can improve sexual dysfunction in three aspects: erection, sexual desire and ejaculation while lowering blood pressure.