High blood pressure and erectile dysfunction (ED) can occur together. If you regularly have difficulty getting or keeping an erection, it is worth considering your overall cardiovascular health rather than treating the symptom in isolation.
Can high blood pressure cause erectile dysfunction?
Yes. The NHS lists high blood pressure as one of the health conditions that can be associated with erectile dysfunction. High blood pressure places extra strain on blood vessels and, over time, can affect blood flow.
Read our Erectile Dysfunction guide for a broader overview of common causes and treatment options.
Why can blood pressure affect erections?
An erection depends on healthy blood flow and coordinated nerve and blood-vessel function. When blood vessels are affected by cardiovascular risk factors, getting or maintaining an erection can become more difficult.
High blood pressure may also occur alongside other risk factors, including high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, excess alcohol use and being overweight. These factors can contribute to vascular health and erectile function.
Can blood pressure medicines cause ED?
Some medicines can contribute to sexual problems in some people. However, you should never stop or change prescribed blood-pressure medicine without medical advice. If you think your medication is affecting your erections, speak with your GP or pharmacist about your options.
What should you do if you have high blood pressure and ED?
- Have your blood pressure checked and keep it under appropriate medical supervision.
- Discuss recurring erection problems with a GP or qualified healthcare professional.
- Review your medicines with a healthcare professional rather than stopping them yourself.
- Work on cardiovascular-friendly habits such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, stopping smoking and moderating alcohol.
- Ask about appropriate ED treatments if lifestyle changes and management of the underlying cause are not enough.
The NHS recommends getting blood pressure checked because high blood pressure usually has no obvious symptoms. See the NHS blood pressure test guidance.
Where does sildenafil fit in?
Sildenafil is one of the PDE-5 inhibitor medicines used for erectile dysfunction. It can help increase blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, but it is not suitable for everyone.
For medicine-specific information, see our Sildenafil Information page. You can also read the NHS sildenafil guidance.
Important safety point
PDE-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil should not be taken with nitrate medicines used for angina because the combination can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure. Always tell a doctor or pharmacist about your medicines and medical history.
Our Medication Safety page provides further general information.
When should you see a doctor?
Speak with a GP if ED is persistent, especially if you also have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or other cardiovascular risk factors. ED can sometimes be a useful prompt to review overall health.
Summary
High blood pressure can be associated with erectile dysfunction because both conditions involve cardiovascular and blood-vessel health. Managing blood pressure and other risk factors, reviewing medicines with a professional and getting appropriate advice about ED can help address the underlying picture.
FAQs
Is ED a symptom of high blood pressure?
It can be associated with high blood pressure, although ED has many possible causes.
Should I stop my blood pressure tablets if I have ED?
No. Do not stop prescribed medicine without medical advice. Speak with your GP or pharmacist instead.
Can sildenafil be used with blood pressure medicine?
It depends on the medicines and your health. Some combinations require caution or may be unsuitable, so ask a doctor or pharmacist before use.