Beta-Blocker and Erectile Dysfunction

Beta-Blocker and Erectile Dysfunction

The inability to obtain or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse is called erectile dysfunction (ED). Though it is more common among older men, it is not a normal component of aging. It can, however, affect males of any age.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) becomes more frequent as men age because they are more likely to be on medication, and ED is a common side effect of several common medications. Medicine is thought to cause 25% of all ED cases.

Furthermore, given a large proportion of men maintain erectile function well into their senior years, a study reveals that getting older is unlikely to be the cause of sexual dysfunction in and of itself. Instead, impotence appears to be linked to a sedentary lifestyle.

The likelihood of overlapping causes complicates the management of erectile dysfunction in beta-blocker patients. Erectile dysfunction has been recommended as a marker for cardiovascular disease since it shares several risk variables with coronary artery disease. 

What Are Beta-Blockers?

Beta-blockers, commonly known as beta-adrenergic blocking medicines, are blood pressure-lowering drugs. Beta-blockers function by blocking the effects of the adrenaline-like hormone epinephrine.

Beta-blockers reduce blood pressure by causing the heart to beat more slowly and with less force. Beta-blockers also help to enhance blood flow by widening veins and arteries.

Do Beta-Blockers Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

ED is frequently a symptom of another medical problem, such as diabetes or depression. While certain medications can effectively cure this disease, others, such as beta-blockers, can sometimes exacerbate it.

Several drugs can cause erectile dysfunction, but blood pressure medications are near the top of the list. ED is a rare adverse effect of blood pressure medications such as thiazide diuretics, loop diuretics, and beta-blockers, reducing blood flow to the penis and making it difficult to erect. 

According to one small study, 84 percent of male patients discharged from the hospital after a myocardial infarction had pre-existing erectile dysfunction. Because erectile dysfunction has been recorded in trials of patients on a variety of beta-blockers, including carvedilol, it is considered a class-wide side effect. 

What Is Beta-Blocker Erectile Dysfunction Mechanism?

Beta-blockers work by blocking particular receptors in the neurological system, lowering blood pressure. These are the receptors that are usually influenced by epinephrine and other substances. Epinephrine causes your blood vessels to constrict and your heart to beat faster. Beta-blockers are thought to interfere with the component of your neurological system that generates an erection by inhibiting these receptors.

However, according to the findings of one study published in the European Heart Journal, ED caused by beta-blocker use is uncommon. It's possible that the reported occurrences of ED in males using beta-blockers were just a psychological reaction. 

One study published in the European Heart Journal looked at males newly diagnosed with heart disease but without ED who began treatment with the beta-blocker atenolol, according to Harvard Special Health Report Erectile Dysfunction (Tenormin). 

The sexual side effect of the blood pressure medication was disclosed to some of the trial participants, and about one-third of the patients had ED. Only 3% of individuals who were not told the drug's name or adverse effects reported having ED. 

Before the trial, these men had heard that beta-blockers could cause ED. Read about the psychological reasons of ED to learn more. A nocebo effect may contribute to erectile dysfunction by raising awareness of the likelihood of sexual dysfunction resulting from beta-blocker treatment (the opposite of placebo effect).

Beta-Blockers Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction, Is it Reversible?

Erectile Dysfunction Caused by Beta-Blockers is Reversible in significant ways. The first is to provide psychological attention to ED patients. The second option is to withdraw the Beta-blocker treatment gradually.

Erectile dysfunction was more common in patients aware of the medicine's potential adverse effects. At the same time, it was ten times less common in individuals who were unaware of the drug they were taking. 

These findings highlight the relevance of psychological mechanisms in the development of erectile dysfunction and the fact that the majority of beta-blocker effects on erectile dysfunction are due to psychological concerns. 

The fact that in most cases, ED was healed by placebo adds to the psychological character of beta-blocker-induced ED.

Several studies demonstrate that anxiety is frequent among people with sexual dysfunctions, with varying degrees and types of anxiety, and that anxiety reduction techniques alleviate some, but not all, elements of sexual dysfunctions. According to studies, knowing about adverse effects might cause worry, impacting erectile function.

Optimizing cardiovascular care should be the first focus after myocardial infarction in patients with or without heart failure. Withdrawing the beta-blocker is likely to be the most effective strategy to treat erectile dysfunction caused by beta-blockers. 

However, suppose revascularization has happened, and patients do not have any cause for a beta-blocker, such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure. In that case, this will only be appropriate six months after myocardial infarction.

 

Things Shari James Covers in Her 50-Point Assessment for Erectile Dysfunction 

• Morning Erection
• Other ED Treatment/Pills
• Circulatory Health
• Nervous System Health
• Mental + Emotional Health + History
• Sexual Energy Management
• Porn Usage / Fetish 
• Medications / Diagnosis
• Alcohol Use 
• Lose Weight

Conclusion in Getting Help for Erectile Dysfunction (E.D.)

In summary, erectile dysfunction caused by beta-blockers is uncommon, far less so than is usually believed. The findings of this study imply that both patient and clinician expectations about the likelihood of developing erectile dysfunction may impact the development of this painful side-effect.

For many illnesses, beta-blockers are the first-line treatment. They're particularly beneficial for alleviating cardiovascular symptoms like high blood pressure. When using beta-blockers, people should always follow the instructions of a health professional, and tell them if they have any health problems or are taking any other medications.

People should not abruptly discontinue using beta-blockers without consulting their health professional and being well monitored. Stopping beta-blocker treatment abruptly might exacerbate symptoms, especially after a heart attack or angina treatment.

Other blood pressure medications seldom induce ED, such as alpha-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. To rule out other possible causes of erectile dysfunction, talk to your health professional about the medications you're taking. Blood pressure medications are one of the most common drug-related causes of ED.

According to a new study published recently in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, losing weight, eating better, getting more active, drinking less alcohol, and getting better sleep can help reverse conditions that lead to impotence.

Shari James is a health professional that helps men with Erectile Dysfunction. You can take her 50 question assessment test to see where you currently are.  Some men have Mild, Moderate, or Complex ED. 

Shari’s holistic approach has many men heal their ED without medication or pills.

For more information, please visit https://www.Shari-James.com/.