Can Lisinopril Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

What is Lisinopril?

Lisinopril is a widely prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Doctors use it to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, and post-heart attack recovery. By relaxing blood vessels and improving circulation, lisinopril lowers blood pressure and reduces strain on the heart.

Because of its effectiveness and safety profile, lisinopril is one of the most commonly prescribed blood pressure medications worldwide. But many men wonder: does lisinopril cause erectile dysfunction? Let’s look deeper.

Lower your BP, not your wallet – get it now.

Can Lisinopril Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

The concern around whether lisinopril cause erectile dysfunction is understandable. High blood pressure medications are often linked with ED, but lisinopril is different. Lisinopril doesn’t seem very likely to cause ED based on research. In fact, it may help some men achieve adequate erections due to its ability to lower blood pressure and do wonders for arterial health. Yet, we are not all the same, and there are some individuals who report ED after the introduction of the drug.

These patients are not considering some outside causes that may account for the ED, which do not directly involve the drug itself, which would be of stress, some health concerns, or psychological issues.

What Are the Side Effects of Lisinopril?

Though it is rather uncommon for the drug lisinopril cause erectile dysfunction, there are some side effects of the drug, including:

• A persistent dry cough
• Dizziness or light-headedness (especially early on in the medication)
• Headaches and fatigue
• High potassium level (Hyperkalemia)
• Angioedema, which is very rare

These side effects in themselves do not include ‘ED’. Few men seem to have noticed changes in their sexual health, and for these individuals, it is advisable to speak to your doctor to take some measures in verifying the underlying issue.

How Are High Blood Pressure and Erectile Dysfunction Connected?

The confusion about whether high blood pressure is what causes the ED is often mistaken for the fact that fellow high blood pressure patients is in fact, as we all know, a major contributor to ED.

If left out of treatment, uncontrolled high blood pressure can restrict blood flow, resulting in shortages of blood to the penis, resulting in the arteries stiffening and narrowing, and thereby, makes it harder and almost impossible to achieve or maintain an erection. Lisinopril benefits blood pressure and vascular health, it provides very useful hypertension protection.

In other words, having untreated high blood pressure is much more likely to result in ED than how much damage lisinopril does.

Do Other ACE Inhibitors Also Bring About Erectile Dysfunction?

In the same way, lisinopril does not have the adverse effects of ED, neither do other ACE inhibitors like enalapril, ramipril or captopril. Actually, several studies demonstrate ACE inhibitors can improve or at least have no effect on sexual activity.

Beta-blockers and certain diuretics are the main offenders when it comes to ED. This is why with blood pressure medications, people usually inquire “Does lisinopril cause erectile dysfunction?”

Does Lisinopril Affect Testosterone?

Another primary concern is does lisinopril lower or disrupt normal functioning testosterone levels. Available data demonstrates that lisinopril does not have a significant effect on having low testosterone. Low testosterone is also a risk factor of erectile dysfunction, and thus makes it more unlikely that lisinopril cause erectile dysfunction problem.

Can You Use ED Medication with Lisinopril Safely?

Can men take lisinopril and take medications for erectile dysfunction at the same time? These medications include Viagra and Cialis.

In most cases, lisinopril and ED medications can be safely used together, though medical supervision is recommended. The only caveat is that both medications can cause light-headedness when used together due to the dizzying effects that accompany low blood pressure. The most important thing is that you discuss this treatment strategy with your doctor before attempting it.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

In the case that ED is a side effect that results from the use of lisinopril, it is vital to understand that this is unlikely to be the case. Stress, smoking, being overweight, uncontrolled blood sugar, and diabetes can all be the true underlying causes.

ED treatment can include:

• Lifestyle modification (exercise, smoking cessation, weight reduction)
• Prescribed medications (sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil)
• Testosterone replacement therapy when indicated
• Counselling when the cause of ED is from psychological or emotional issues
• If you struggle with this, your doctor is there to provide you guidance.

How Long Does Lisinopril Take to Work?

Some people wonder if this is the case that the drug, because it increases circulation, would then immediately solve all problems relating to ED. The truth is that Lisinopril begins to take effect within the hour and it takes full effect around two to four weeks.

If you do happen to suffer from erectile dysfunction and takes lisinopril, your case is most likely that of a gradual improvement. Stabilizing blood pressure is the true underlying cause of improvement.

Despite rare cases of lisinopril causing ED, its benefit to the Cardiovascular system might actually improve sexual function over time.

Bottom line

So, does lisinopril cause erectile dysfunction? For most men, no. In fact, it is arguably one of the safer antihypertensive drugs in relation to sexual function. A few men might have ED symptoms after starting the medication, but that situation is uncommon and temporary.

Having tightly controlled hypertension is necessary for the wellbeing of the heart and also for good sexual function. If you believe ED might be an issue with the use of lisinopril, do not discontinue the medication, but rather consult with your healthcare practitioner for the best course of action.