Hypertensive heart disease and erection problem

I am 43yrs and diagnosed of hypertensive heart disease cause by tension from family feud and currently on anti hypertensive drugs.  But I sometime have difficulty in getting an erection.  Is it the drug or disease or combination of both that is causing this problem?

[Janice M Epp, PhD]

Hello.

I can't give you a definitive answer to your questions. For that, you'll need to see a urologist for an exam to determine whether your heart disease is interfering with erections.

I can, however, give you some general information. Most anti-hypertensive drugs are associated with some interference of sexual response. Ask your physician if there is another medication you can take which has less sexual side effects.

The fact that you sometimes have erections MAY be related to your heart disease, or the drugs, or a combination of both. Or it may also be related to anxiety and stress--about your life, your relationships, or your sexuality. Once you begin worrying about erections, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy: the more you worry, the more your penis won't cooperate.

Worrying about erections is a dead-end street. Relax, find out more about the drugs you're taking, and enjoy your sexuality without putting any expectations of  "performance" on yourself. Best of luck to you. Dr. J