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Did you know: Men with high blood pressure are twice more likely to experience a condition called erectile dysfunction compared to people with normal blood pressure readings.
The damage to the arteries leading to the penis in cases of HBP causes less blood to flow into the penis, which subsequently causes erectile dysfunction.
But does the same also apply to men suffering from the exact opposite condition—that is, does low blood pressure cause men to suffer a similar fate?
Turns out, low blood pressure is not likely to be the cause of your erection-less woes.
However, medication interaction may cause you to suddenly develop low blood pressure readings. If you noticed symptoms of low BP after taking medications, seek advice from a medical professional.
By the end of this article, you’ll develop a better understanding of what low blood pressure is, how an erection is formed, and other potential causes of erectile dysfunction.
We’ll also touch on how to treat potential causes of sexual dysfunction to help you reclaim your sex life.
Let’s jump straight into the connection between low blood pressure and ED!
What is Low Blood Pressure?
Low blood pressure (or hypotension) is a condition wherein a person’s blood pressure falls below the normal threshold. This causes insufficient blood to be delivered to several organs in the body, including the penis.
The normal blood pressure range is considered to fall somewhere between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. A reading lower than the lower limit of this range—90/60 mmHg—is considered hypotension.
Hypotension can occur due to a variety of reasons, ranging from drugs to medical conditions.
Here are a few potential substances that can worsen hypotension:
- Alcohol
- Painkillers
- Antidepressants
- Diuretics
- Heart medicine
Here are some common causes of low blood pressure, particularly in terms of health-related issues:
- Diabetes
- Arrhythmia
- Dehydration
- Chest pain
- Heart disease
Having these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you’re experiencing restricted blood flow to the penis.
It’s only when the low blood pressure causes insufficient blood to reach the penis—and subsequently, an inability to get or maintain an erection—that ED becomes a reality.
How is an Erection Formed?
Sexual arousal, whether from psychological or physical stimulation from a sexual partner, causes the brain to fire off signals through its nerve network.
The relaxation of these arteries, or vasodilation, causes an increased delivery of blood to the penis. The blood ends up flowing into the penile chambers or the corpus cavernosum. At the same time, nitric oxide in the penis diffuses in the smooth penile tissue walls and releases an enzyme known as cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate), allowing the penile chambers to relax.
To prevent blood from leaking, a process known as veno-occlusion occurs. The veins leading out of the penis narrow, trapping the blood inside and allowing an erection to form.
If the blood escapes during arousal, it is commonly referred to as a venous leak. Furthermore, erections normally go away when there’s lower blood pressure and when your parasympathetic stimulation stops.
Does Low Blood Pressure Lead to ED?
No, low blood pressure doesn’t lead to erectile dysfunction. It’s more likely the case that you’re suffering from another condition that causes both low BP readings and sexual dysfunction.
Moreover, the medications used to treat ED can interact with other medications, which limits blood flow and affects blood pressure.
Sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil are some of the most common ED pills on the market today. Their main function is to facilitate vasodilation in the penis’s blood vessels, thereby increasing blood flow.
When taken alongside certain medications, however, it decreases blood flow.
Here are a few medication categories you should consider avoiding if you want to maintain healthy blood pressure levels:
- Nitrate medications
- Alpha-blockers
- Beta-blockers
- Antidepressants
- Diueritcs
If you’re currently taking these medications, consult with a doctor to have them change your dosage or prescribe you blood pressure medications.
What Causes ED?
As previously stated, low blood pressure isn’t a direct cause of erectile dysfunction (ED).
However, many chronic illnesses can directly impact your erectile function.
For instance, high blood pressure can lead to a hardening of the arterial walls, causing atherosclerosis. This causes blood flow limitations and erectile difficulties.
Other illnesses may also lead to ED, some of which include:
- Type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus)
- Sleep apnea
- Obesity
- Prostate cancer
- Psychological distress
- Stress and relationship problems
- Chronic kidney disease
- Multiple sclerosis
If you’re currently struggling with ED and are unsure of what might be causing it, consider discussing your lifestyle and medical history with a doctor.
How to Treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Erectile dysfunction is a widespread condition, projected to affect over 322 million people by 2025. Fortunately, there are several treatments available on the market that can help.
The first solution to erection difficulties is the latest medical treatment known as RestoreWave therapy, also known as acoustic wave therapy. This promising treatment plan is a fully non-invasive procedure, meaning that you won’t experience any pain when undergoing the treatment.
This form of therapy uses a wand-like device to eliminate plaque that has been built up in the penile tissue. Once this built-up plaque is gone, blood flow can increase and allow an erection to form. This helps men suffering from most types of physiological ED, from diabetes-induced ED to atherosclerosis-induced ED.
Moreover, traditional erectile dysfunction treatment is also considered an effective solution for most men. This type of treatment is supervised by a doctor and utilizes a combination of topical gels, creams, and injections to restore erectile function.
This form of therapy is met with satisfactory results, with one study claiming a 94% patient satisfaction rate following intracavernosal injection therapy.
Natural Ways to Improve Erections
Getting harder erections is also possible at home, in addition to a medical approach guided by a doctor. Here are some healthy lifestyle changes you should consider to improve blood circulation.
- Diet: Eat a protein-rich, nutrient-dense diet.
- Exercise: Get at least 150 minutes of exercise every week.
- Sleep: Sleep for more than 7 hours every night.
- Reduce stress: Practice mindfulness and deep breathing exercises.
Achieve Healthy Sexual Intercourse with the Help of Our Doctors in Orlando, Florida
Low blood pressure and erectile dysfunction are real issues—and they can be troublesome to deal with on your own.
Fortunately, genuine, friendly doctors are just a call away.
The medical professionals at Premier Men’s Medical Center in Orlando specialize in male health treatment. Whether it’s hormone growth therapy, erectile dysfunction therapy, adrenal fatigue therapy, or other health problems, we got you covered.
Proper treatment is the first step to getting erectile dysfunction treated for good. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
