Erectile Dysfunction - other Medication

Medicines

Many medicines are suspected of interfering with sexual function, although it is unusual for them to be the sole cause of sexual problems. However, it is relatively difficult to determine whether a particular medicine can cause erectile dysfunction, for one of two reasons. Firstly, many diseases themselves often affect sexual function, so it can be difficult to establish if the dysfunction is a result of the disease or the medicine used to treat it (high blood pressure is a good example). Secondly, side effects that involve sexual issues are frequently not reported to doctors because of embarrassment. So, the actual rate of sexual dysfunction caused by medicines might be higher than reported.

How can medicines affect sexual function?

The mechanism of sexual function is a complex co-ordination of hormones, chemical messengers in the brain (neurotransmitters), the vascular system and the actual sexual organs themselves. A medicine may therefore affect sexual function in several ways.

For a detailed explanation of the stages of an erection and the possible complications with each stage, read about the erection process.

Sex drive is influenced by reproductive hormones, particularly testosterone, which is required for sexual arousal. Medicines that reduce testosterone levels or block its effects are likely to reduce sex drive. Libido is also affected by your general emotional and physical health. Therefore, medicines that affect any of these aspects, even indirectly by causing drowsiness, lethargy, weight gain or confusion, have the potential to reduce your sex drive.

Medicines that may affect sexual function

Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as fluoxetine, are the medicines most frequently implicated in causing sexual dysfunction. Blood pressure management (antihypertensive) medicines are also implicated, although the mechanism by which they cause sexual problems will vary from agent to agent.

HealthExpress has put together a list of medicines that have had sexual side effects reported in some people during their use. This list is not exhaustive and it is important to remember that not everyone experiences side effects with medicines and that your sexual difficulties may be completely unrelated to your medication, even if it does appear in this list.

Read our List of Prescription Medications that May Induce ED

What if other medication is causing erectile dysfunction?

Do not stop taking your medicine without first discussing it with your doctor. Remember that your quality of life is important, particularly if you are being treated for something like high blood pressure, which often has no symptoms and can require lifelong treatment.

There may not always be a solution. Your doctor may try transferring you to another medicine in the same class, in the hope that the new one will not cause your side effects. Alternatively your doctor may try a different class of medicine altogether, providing it is suitable for you to take. Sometimes there may be no suitable alternatives.

Ask a HealthExpress doctor more about medications that cause ED

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