The connection between use of lisinopril and erectile dysfunction is not entirely understood. Studies have been conducted and show a possible link, but the results are considered inconclusive. The two are connected in some ways, however, since lisinopril is used to treat high blood pressure, which is a major cause of erectile dysfunction.
For one thing, most men who use lisinopril are approaching or are in their middle aged years and are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction anyway. Since this medication is used to treat high blood pressure, a major contributor to sexual dysfunction, it is also possible that men afflicted with sexual problems have them due to hypertension. The number of men who reported erectile dysfunction after beginning treatment was very small, so it has been hard for researchers to know if the medication or other factors were the cause.
For most men, use of lisinopril and erectile dysfunction will not be a concern. In the majority of cases it is also more important to treat the underlying high blood pressure than to worry about sexual performance, at least during the initial stages of treatment. For men who do experience a problem, additional medications may be prescribed to enhance sexual performance. Others may be given an alternative medication to treat hypertension.
Using lisinopril and erectile dysfunction are also connected because this medication treats a major cause of sexual problems. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can prevent proper sexual performance because it inhibits blood flow into the penis. In order for an erection to occur, the penis must be filled with blood. Decreased blood flow through constricted vessels can therefore result in sexual dysfunction.
In this way, lisinopril and erectile dysfunction may be linked because use of this medication could actually cure sexual problems caused by high blood pressure. In many men, once hypertension is controlled, sexual performance should return to normal. If this doesn’t occur, another underlying health condition may be to blame. Men who are worried about sexual dysfunction may also take more time to return to normal.