High blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms. But the impact on your sex life may be obvious. Although sexual activity is unlikely to pose an immediate threat to your health — such as a heart attack — high blood pressure can affect your overall satisfaction with sex. High blood pressure and Erectile Dysfunction

A link between high blood pressure and sexual problems has been proved in men. For women who have decreased sexual satisfaction, it's not yet been proved that high blood pressure is to blame.

Challenges for men

Over time, high blood pressure damages the lining of the blood vessels and causes arteries to harden and narrow (atherosclerosis), limiting blood flow. This means that less blood flows to the penis.

For some men, the decreased blood flow makes it difficult to achieve and maintain erections. This problem is called erectile dysfunction. It's fairly common.

Even a single episode of erectile dysfunction can cause anxiety. Fears that it will happen again might lead men to avoid sex, which can affect the relationship with their sexual partners.

High blood pressure can also interfere with ejaculation and reduce sexual desire. Some blood pressure medications may cause similar effects.

Men should discuss any concerns with their doctors.