The incidence of high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) has increased over the last few years — unhealthy lifestyle, an improper diet and disturbed sleep being some of its major contributors. If left unaddressed for prolonged periods, hypertension can increase the risk of strokes, heart problems and even kidney failure, say experts. However, a lesser-known complication of the condition is its impact on sexual health. A review article published in the journal Vascular Health and Risk Management stated that hypertension was associated with sexual dysfunction in both men and women.
Apart from this, other studies say that sexual problems can be a side effect of certain medications prescribed for high blood pressure, which include beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers. “In some cases, hypertension may not have a direct impact on one’s sexual health; rather, medications for the condition can contribute to it,” says Dr Karthikeyan V S, microsurgical andrologist and urologist at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.
Men are more vulnerable to sexual disorders
According to Dr Karthikeyan, men with hypertension are more prone to sexual dysfunctions, which include low libido, difficulty attaining or maintaining an erection and problems with ejaculation. In addition, it can be associated with chronic health conditions like diabetes and cardiac issues. “Men with such comorbidities are highly susceptible to erectile dysfunction [ED],” he says.
Dr Amar Kumar Jayaram, consultant andrologist and urologist, Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore, says chronic hypertension damages the blood vessels in the penis. Additionally, metabolic disorders like diabetes further worsen the penile blood flow, which can lead to a condition called vasculogenic erectile dysfunction. “This can be detected by a color Doppler test, which analyzes the penile blood flow. If the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment options include oral medications, injections and penile prosthesis,” he adds.
The inability to achieve or maintain an erection will hinder sexual intercourse, even if such men have a high sex drive. “This hampers intimacy between couples, causing anxiety and leading to an added component of psychogenic impotence. In such cases, counseling and behavioral therapy are the treatment options,” shares Dr Jayaram.
In the case of elderly men, those with conditions like diabetes and cardiac issues may take male enhancement pills for erectile dysfunction. Medications for these metabolic disorders are known to contain nitrates, which may interact with the ingredients present in sexual enhancement pills. This increases the risk of complications like low blood pressure and dizziness.
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Effects of high blood pressure on women’s sexual health
Although the impact of high blood pressure is comparatively lower in women, it can decrease their libido considerably. “Symptoms of perimenopause [a transitional phase before menopause where estrogen levels start to decline gradually] and vaginal dryness can result from high blood pressure. In women with severe diabetes, hypertension can lead to obstructed blood flow to the vagina,” explains Dr Karthikeyan.
In addition, some women may develop a condition called pulmonary hypertension, where high blood pressure affects the arteries in their lungs and heart. “It’s more prevalent in women due to factors like thyroid dysfunction, a congenital hole in the heart, connective tissue disorders, pregnancy and the usage of hormonal pills,” says Dr Srinivasa Prasad, senior consultant, interventional cardiology, Fortis Hospital, Bangalore. Reduced oxygen supply to the organs will affect their sexual functions.
Further, pulmonary hypertension can also disrupt regular ovulation and cause other menstrual disorders. “The condition results due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries. Expecting women with the condition, particularly those with Eisenmenger syndrome characterized by irregular blood flow in the heart and lungs, are often encouraged to terminate the pregnancy, as it can be life-threatening,” informs Dr Prasad.
Ways to reduce high blood pressure
Having a healthy and active lifestyle is crucial to keep hypertension at bay. Some measures to prevent and manage high blood pressure are as follows:
♦ Maintain an ideal body weight
Obesity increases pressure on the heart and damages the blood vessels, making one susceptible to hypertension and other chronic health issues. Lowering the body weight through regular exercise can help maintain optimal blood pressure levels.
♦ Reduce salt intake
Excess salt intake increases fluid volume in the blood, setting the stage for hypertension. Hence, cutting down on salt and sodium-rich foods can go a long way towards reducing blood pressure and other cardiac issues, say experts.
♦ Walk regularly
Regular walks keep the heart healthy, especially in older adults. It helps reduce the systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lowering the risk of heart problems.
♦ Practice breathing exercises
Stress, resulting from personal or professional issues, can contribute to hypertension. Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques like yoga can help manage stress, which in turn will keep blood pressure in check.
♦ Ensure adequate sleep
Individuals with irregular sleep patterns can be highly vulnerable to hypertension and other health conditions. “Hence, it is important to ensure at least seven to eight hours of sleep to keep such conditions at bay,” says Dr Prasad.
Takeaways
- High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) has increasingly become more common owing to unhealthy lifestyles and improper eating patterns. If left unaddressed for long periods, it can lead to conditions like diabetes, cardiac issues and even sexual disorders.
- For men, hypertension can cause erectile dysfunction and decreased libido. In the case of women, it can disrupt regular periods and cause pre-menopausal symptoms; they can also develop pulmonary hypertension, which can have far-reaching impacts on their sexual health.
- Maintaining a healthy body weight, reducing salt intake, walking regularly and ensuring adequate sleep can help prevent or manage high blood pressure.
