Lisinopril is a medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. However, there have been claims that Lisinopril can cause erectile dysfunction (ED). To find out whether there’s truth behind this claim, read on to learn more about this blood pressure medication.
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What is Lisinopril?
Lisinopril is a prescription drug that’s used to treat high certain cardiovascular ailments, such as blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten blood vessels, promoting smoother blood flow and more efficient heart pumping. Commonly prescribed for people with hypertension and heart failure, especially those who have survived a heart attack, Lisinopril relaxes blood vessels, aiding in lowering blood pressure.
Belonging to a group of high blood pressure medications known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, Lisinopril is sometimes confused with angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). That’s because both treat the same ailments—blood pressure and heart failure. Moreover, both medications, the angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin II receptor blockers, are interchangeable.
What is ED?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), a type of sexual dysfunction, is characterized by the inability to maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. ED can be triggered by physical and psychological causes.
Some of the underlying health conditions associated with erectile dysfunction include diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, among others. As a result, it’s not uncommon for men to experience sexual dysfunction symptoms during periods of stress, which can lead to occasional or frequent disruptions in sexual functioning.
ED can manifest at any stage of the erection process, and its occurrence can vary significantly. Some may experience a temporary decline in sexual activity, while others may see a statistically significant difference in their sexual intercourse episodes. However, these changes are not always linear and can fluctuate over time.
Does Lisinopril cause erectile dysfunction?
While Lisinopril is generally well-tolerated, some hypertensive men experience erectile dysfunction as a side effect. Despite this claim, it’s important to note that the question of whether Lisinopril causes ED is a topic of ongoing debate. That’s because the exact mechanism by which Lisinopril may cause ED is not fully understood.
Regardless, the effects of erectile dysfunction are believed to be related to Lisinopril’s effect on the blood vessels. Lisinopril work by relaxing the blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure. Apparently, this relaxation of blood vessels may also affect the blood flow to the penis, leading to difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection, which explains the sexual dysfunction.
Do Blood Pressure Medications Cause ED
A clinical study published in the Americal Journal of Hypertension (Am J Hypertens) investigated the effects of Lisinopril and Atenolol, a beta-blocker, on middle-aged, hypertensive males. The researchers discovered that both drugs caused a short-term reduction in their sexual activity due to a temporary decline in sexual function.
The men in the Lisinopril-treated group, however, returned to their normal levels of sexual activity over the long term, which means Lisinopril may temporarily and initially impact sexual function. The researchers of the study concluded that taking Lisinopril may result only in a temporary decline in sexual function. However, this drug does not cause long-term erectile dysfunction.
Side Effects of Lisinopril
Aside from ED, among the different Lisinopril side effects that individuals may experience after taking the medication include:
- Headache and dizziness — These are common side effects of Lisinopril; they go away as your body gets used to the medicine.
- Chest pain — Some people may experience chest pain while taking Lisinopril. It’s important to seek medical attention immediately after taking the medicine as it could be a sign of a serious heart condition.
- Diarrhea — This is an uncommon side effect of Lisinopril. Whenever it occurs, it’s not usually serious and goes away on its own.
- Angioedema — While angioedema is rare, it is considered a serious side effect of Lisinopril, as it involves swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience this side effect.
- Blurred vision — Some people may experience blurred vision. It’s recommended that you consult a doctor if this happens as it could be a sign of a serious condition.
- Low blood pressure and fatigue — Lisinopril lowers blood pressure, which may cause feelings of fatigue.
- Dry cough — A persistent dry cough is one of the well-known side effects of Lisinopril. If the cough is bothersome, your doctor may recommend switching to a different type of blood pressure medication.
- High creatinine levels — Your creatinine levels, which usually is measured to assess kidney function, may rise due to Lisinopril. If this happens, your doctor may adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.
- High potassium levels — Lisinopril can cause an increase in potassium levels in the blood. If this happens, your doctor may recommend dietary changes or adjustments to your medications.
- Severe skin rash — Though this is one of the rare Lisinopril side effects, it is nonetheless a serious one, so seeking immediate medical attention is recommended.
- Liver damage — Considered as one of the rarest yet serious side effects of Lisinopril, liver damage may also cause other symptoms, such as jaundice, dark urine, or severe stomach pain.
High Blood Pressure and ED
High blood pressure and erectile dysfunction are two health conditions that often coexist. High blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels and arteries, which can reduce blood flow throughout the body.
Unfortunately, this also includes the penis, as it is filled with networks of blood vessels. As a result, this reduced blood flow can contribute to difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection, which leads to ED.
Interestingly, certain high blood pressure medications, such as beta-blockers and diuretics, can also contribute to ED. These drugs can decrease blood flow to the penis or interfere with the body’s natural hormonal balance. Either way, both factors can lead to difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection. However, not all blood pressure medications have this effect. Certain drugs like angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and ACE inhibitors may even improve erectile function in hypertensive males.
How Can Bigger Loads Help?
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By focusing on natural methods to improve sexual health, Bigger Loads may provide a holistic approach to addressing sexual issues in men with ED and high blood pressure. Learn how you can benefit from Bigger Loads’ training course today.