Drugs and ED : What’s the Correlation? 

Drugs and ED : What’s the Correlation? 

We know many different things can cause ED to happen, but it’s not only physical problems that could be causing impotence. Medications you’re taking for completely unrelated problems could be the cause and you may not even know it. Whether they be recreational, over the counter or strong enough to treat cancer, drugs of all kinds can affect your erectile dysfunction. 

 

Which Drugs? 

Drugs such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers affect the chemical levels in your brain. Although it is not known how these chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin, can cause impotence, we do know there is a connection between these medications and ED. These medications are meant to block certain receptors, which in turn can have an effect on your sexual function. 

Prescription medications could also be the cause of your ED. Although some medications cannot be changed, it’s worth talking to your doctor about. They may be able to give you tips on how to improve your sexual function while taking it. 

Blood pressure medications can also be the culprit. The muscle that needs to be relaxed in order to function sexually can be affected and restrict blood flow, which is necessary to proper sexual function. 

Other drugs that tend to do this are chemotherapy drugs. Drugs commonly used as chemotherapy can greatly affect the body’s nerve endings. This means the nerves within the penis can be affected. 

 

Warnings

Even though any of these could be the cause of your ED, do not stop taking your medications! Consulting with your doctor first is vital in making sure your overall health is kept intact. Don’t let your impotence get you down before speaking to professionals. There may be ways to reverse or help your sexual dysfunction. 

Yes, many recreational drugs can also be the cause of your erectile dysfunction. Amphetamines, barbiturates, nicotine, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, heroin, methadone and more can all cause ED. Many of these drugs, if misused, can cause blood vessels to narrow, restricting blood flow to the penis. They can decrease your desire to have sex effect hormone levels. Overuse of some of these drugs can even cause long term damage ED-wise, not to mention too many of any of these drugs can cause a long list of other, more serious, health problems.

 

What To Do

You are not alone! Apex Health Center is the place to visit when you are worried or concerned about your erectile dysfunction. If you have been/have to be on a drug that is causing impotence, Apex has a wide array of treatments to choose from and will do everything they can to treat you as an individual patient. Call our office today to make your appointment to get your intimate life back on track.