Wait, so a medication to help address performance anxiety, which can lead to erectile problems in men, may also cause erectile problems? Unfortunately, with some beta blockers like Propranolol, that may be the case.
Erectile dysfunction (ED), or the inability for a man to get or maintain an erection, is not just an issue linked to aging. In fact, there are a variety of physical, behavioral, and psychological factors that can affect a man’s sexual performance. That’s because getting and keeping an erection is a process that involves:
- the brain
- various nerves and muscles
- blood vessels
- emotions
- hormones
That explains how emotions like anxiety can cause ED. Whether due to daily stresses of life or specifically to one’s sexual performance (which is relatively common, even among younger men), anxiety affects how a man feels and performs in the bedroom. Fortunately, the market is full of medications proven effective in treating anxiety. One of them, Propranolol, can be prescribed to treat anxiety, but it may come with an unpleasant side effect: erectile problems.
This article discusses both the benefits and side effects of Propranolol and what to do if you suspect it may be contributing to ED.
What is Propranolol?
Also known under its brand name, Inderal, Propranolol is a type of medication known as a beta blocker. In general, beta blockers are used to treat angina, or chest pain. Beta blockers alleviate chest pain by lowering the body’s heart rate, blood pressure, and decreasing the severity of heart contractions.
In general, beta blockers have also been proven to be effective in combatting:
- asthma
- diabetes
- depression
- anxiety
- lung disease
- poor circulation
One nonselective beta blocker, Propranolol, is sometimes prescribed by doctors to treat sometimes debilitating conditions like migraines and anxiety. By lowering the body’s heart rate and blood pressure, Propranolol actually reduces symptoms of anxiety, including shaking hands, a racing heart, and shortness of breath. However, it is important to note that one of its side effects is impotence. As Propranolol lowers blood pressure, it is also reducing the amount of blood flow that is going to the penis, which can cause erectile dysfunction. With more than one in ten men experiencing erectile dysfunction after using Propranolol, it can definitely warrant a conversation with a doctor.
Determine What’s Causing the ED and Seek Help
If you experience ED after taking Propranolol regularly, it may be linked to the medication rather than a physical or psychological issue. Not all beta blockers cause ED, so switching from Propranolol to another beta blocker may be one solution. However, if Propranolol works well for you aside from the ED side effect, Viagra can be prescribed to treat the erectile dysfunction.
Men wanting to talk to their doctor about Propranolol-induced ED, whether in-person or via an online consultation, should let their doctor know any and all medications they’re taking. In addition to letting you know if you’re a good candidate for erectile dysfunction medication, your doctor will be able to tell you about what, if any, interactions occur between Propranolol and Viagra.
If you’re interested in learning more about ED, eDrugstore invites you to visit our Erectile Dysfunction page.
Kwynn holds a Master of Public Health and is currently pursuing a PhD in Social Work. Her research examines the intersections of health, technology, and gender-based violence.