Diuretics are medications that are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, which is a well-known risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED). However, diuretics are also one of many types of drugs that are linked to this sexual issue, which can make it difficult to manage ED if you’re living with high blood pressure. Read on to learn more about the link between diuretics and ED, including what to do if you think these medications may be contributing to issues you’re experiencing with your sexual well-being.
What Are Diuretics Used For?
Diuretics produce effects on your kidneys that cause your body to release more water and sodium, increasing your urine output. In addition to being used to treat high blood pressure, diuretics are also commonly used to treat congestive heart failure and edema, which is the medical term for swelling.
If you have high blood pressure, diuretics can lower it by reducing the amount of liquid in your bloodstream. This puts less pressure on your arteries and blood vessels. Side effects you may experience when using diuretics include dizziness, weakness, and loss of electrolytes.
How Are Diuretics Linked to Erectile Dysfunction?
When you get an erection, your arteries relax so additional blood can flow to your penis. After your penis is filled with blood, pressure traps the blood inside the corpora cavernosum, which is the fibrous erectile tissue inside your penis. This action is what causes your penis to expand and harden when you achieve and maintain an erection.
Diuretics work by lowering blood pressure all throughout your body, including in your penis. This is mainly why diuretics can cause complications with sexual dysfunction, such as ED. Some diuretics, such as spironolactone, are also shown to reduce your sexual libido, which is another known contributor to ED.
What to Do If You Think Diuretics Are Causing ED
The first step to take if you think diuretics are causing ED is to discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor can talk to you in greater detail about your ED-related symptoms and review all your options in regards to other treatments that won’t contribute to ED.
In some instances, diuretics may not be contributing to your ED. A number of other factors can increase your risk for ED, including:
- Other medications, such as antidepressants, tranquilizers, and antiandrogens
- Certain health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and multiple sclerosis
- Mental health conditions and emotional issues, such as depression, anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol use
- Substance misuse
- Obesity
- Lack of regular physical activity
Your doctor may review your medical history, perform diagnostic testing, and/or refer you to another specialist to rule out other conditions before attributing your ED to diuretics.
Switch to Another Medication
If your doctor does determine that your ED is happening due to diuretics, you may discuss the option of switching to another medication. Other medications that are commonly used to treat high blood pressure include calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin-receptor blockers.
If your doctor determines that going off diuretics is not the best option for you, they may suggest using sildenafil, vardenafil, or tadalafil, more commonly known as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis. These medications work by increasing blood flow to your penis during sexual stimulation to help you achieve an erection.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Getting to the root cause of your ED can help you figure out which lifestyle changes could potentially resolve it. For example, if you drink high amounts of alcohol regularly, you could reduce your alcohol intake or stop drinking completely to see if your symptoms improve.
Other lifestyle changes you can make to reduce symptoms of ED include:
- Not smoking. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about smoking cessation treatments that can help, such as nicotine replacement or support group therapy.
- Exercising regularly. Increasing your activity level can increase your blood flow and circulation, which may also lower your blood pressure and help with weight loss. Try to exercise on most days of the week, and stick to activities you enjoy to ensure you stay active.
- Eating healthy foods. Fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and seeds are some of many whole, healthy foods that can naturally lower your blood pressure and help with ED. Start eating more of these foods and fewer sweets, fast food, and fried foods.
- Getting help for substance misuse. If you are living with substance misuse or addiction, your doctor may refer you to a substance use recovery program or prescribe certain medications that can help you stop using.
Whether or not diuretics may be causing your ED, don’t hesitate to consult with your doctor if you are experiencing this issue. Your doctor can help you identify the underlying cause of your ED and work with you to find the ideal solution for your needs.
Resource Links
“Tips for taking diuretic medications” via Harvard Medical School
“Drugs that may cause erection problems” via MedlinePlus
“Diuretics” via National Library of Medicine
“Diuretic‐Related Side Effects: Development and Treatment” via The Journal of Clinical Hypertension
“Symptoms & Causes of Erectile Dysfunction” via the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
“Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction” via the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases