How do medications affect erections?
Probably one of the most frustrating problems men encounter in their lifetime is erectile dysfunction
, also known as sexual dysfunction or impotence, because it directly comes in the way of their sexual satisfaction,
it can affect the relationship with their partner and be an obstacle in the case they are trying to procreate.
It is defined as the inability to get an erection at all or maintain it long enough to have intercourse.
Fortunately, in most cases this temporary condition will eventually disappear after a treatment or
with the help of no treatment at all. In some not so fortunate cases the problem can persist, damaging
men's self esteem.
The sign that you indeed have an erection problem is when you have difficulty in having or maintaining an
erection more than 25% of the time. To have an erection, the interaction of your brain, nerves, blood
vessels and hormones must occur; any possible obstacle can determine a problem. Current evidence
suggests that physical causes account for about 80% of erection problems
.
Among the causes we find a series of conditions and diseases (diabetes, poor circulation, thyroid or heart
conditions, depression, low testosterone, spinal cord injury, neurological disorders, nerve damage),
the use of nicotine, alcohol, ineffective communication with you partner, fear, anxiety, stress, anger.
You may have unrealistic sexual expectations, approaching intercourse as a task, rather than a normal act.
Unhealthy habits like smoking
, overeating, and avoiding exercise can also contribute to this problem.
About a quarter of all cases of impotence can be attributed to medications. Almost every prescribed or
unprescribed drug is thought to cause EDs.
Erectile dysfunction is a very common problem in men with high blood pressure; it has been discovered that
more than 40 percent of men with erectile dysfunction have hypertension. The disease process is the major
contributor to impotence
, but many of the drugs used to treat hypertension also cause it.
But newer
anti-hypertensive drugs, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor
blockers (ARBs) are less likely to cause erectile dysfunction. In fact, ARBs may be particularly effective
in restoring erectile function in men with high blood pressure who suffer from impotence.
Drugs used in
chemotherapy may cause dysfunctional erections, also most drugs used for psychological disorders, including
anti-anxiety drugs, anti-psychotic drugs, and antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs). Newer antidepressants pose fewer problems. Anti-androgens, including drugs known as
gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists used in prostate
cancer and also for treating BPH may determine EDs.
Finasteride (Proscar) has been associated with impotence in 6 - 19% of patients.
Other causing problem-drugs
are: cimetidine, an older anti-ulcer medication, some antihistamines, which are anticholinergic drugs,
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antifungal drugs, antinausea drugs (metoclopramide).
Recreational drugs that may cause erectile dysfunction include: heroin, cocaine, cannabis,
methadone, ecstasy, speed, LSD, Psilocybin, barbiturates.
If you suspect a drug you are taking is affecting your erections, do not stop taking it before
you see a doctor because you might put your life at risk.
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