As much as 25 percent of all erectile dysfunction is caused by medications that interfere with normal erectile function. This makes it doubly important that you keep your doctor informed about all the drugs you’re using, whether prescription or over the counter.
According to Erectile Dysfunction, a special health report published by Harvard Medical School, roughly one-quarter of all male impotence is a side effect of medications. So, what are the most common kinds of medications that cause erectile dysfunction? They include tranquilizers, diuretics, antidepressants and anti-ulcer drugs. In addition, a whopping 1.3 percent of men who use Propecia or finasteride to fight hair loss develop erectile dysfunction.
For some men, erectile dysfunction can be caused by antihistamines, certain anticancer drugs, anti-androgens (to treat prostate cancer), and anticholinergics (for overactive bladder, COPD, incontinence, and symptoms of Parkinson’s).
The Biggest Culprits
But the most widely used drugs linked with erectile dysfunction are blood pressure medications. In addition, men with erectile dysfunction are 38 percent more likely to have high blood pressure than those without erectile dysfunction. What’s the link?
First, men who smoke often develop erectile dysfunction. Second, men who are overweight are more likely to have erectile dysfunction. Both smoking and being overweight are also risk factors for high blood pressure. Sometimes, erectile dysfunction is the symptom of underlying health issues, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
While any type of blood pressure medication has the potential to cause erectile dysfunction, beta-blockers and diuretics seem most likely to cause ED.
Using Viagra for ED
Regardless of their cause, symptoms of erectile dysfunction should be discussed with your doctor or urologist. Erectile dysfunction drugs, such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, work safely for 80 percent of the men who try them. However, these drugs are available only by prescription. And remember that it’s important that you give your doctor a comprehensive list of all drugs you may be taking, whether they are prescription, over-the-counter, or even street drugs. ED medications interact adversely with some other medications, most notably nitrate-based drugs, such as those used to treat angina and those found in the recreational drugs known as poppers.
Your doctor may also be able to help you determine if any of your medications are causing your erectile dysfunction. In addition, you’ll need to discuss your current health conditions, as some could be contributing to your symptoms of ED.
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