Erectile Dysfunction - Can High Blood Pressure Cause it?

It is said that, one in every three people are suffering from high blood pressure. It is estimated that at present more alone about 65 million people in US itself are suffering from this ailment. High blood pressure is a serious ailment that can cause heart attack, kidney failure, vision impairment, and it can even cause sexual problems. This ailment has no symptoms, and it is also regarded as one of the silent killers. In fact, erectile dysfunction, which is one of the serious ailments may caused by high blood pressure can even affect the relationship between the couples. 

High blood pressure and erectile dysfunction: 

In the case of men, there is a direct link between sexual problem or erectile dysfunction and high blood pressure. Erection of the penis is caused by the two tissues called as corpora cavernosa. This tissue is made of small arteries and veins. During the process of erection, brain sends a signal to the nerve ending in the penis to dilate the arteries. This in turn makes the arteries to open sufficiently, and blood gets filled in empty spaces in the Penis. The relationship between high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction can be further analyzed as follows: 

Those suffering from high blood pressure are prone to damage of lining on the arteries. This in turn affects the flow of blood in the arteries. 
On the other hand, in the case of a person suffering from high blood pressure, arteries fail to dilate and the smooth muscles of corpora cavernosa also fail to relax. Naturally, this affects the flow of blood to the Penis which in turn causes erectile dysfunction. Because of these, people suffering from high blood pressure may suffer from the problem of Erectile Dysfunction. 

Remedies available: 

There are medicines that can help the individual to manage this problem of erectile dysfunction due to high blood pressure. Apart from the medicine to control high blood pressure, the physician may also suggest exercises and lifestyle modification. Remember that few medicines used to control high blood pressure(Specially beta blocker group) itself may cause Erectile Dysfunction as side effect!

So one should take the medicines strictly as per the physician's directions. If someone is on anti-hypertensive drugs and suffer from erectile dysfunction, should discuss the problem with physician. So he can switch over to safe drugs with no side effects on sexual organ.