Common Medications Linked to Sexual Dysfunction, According to Medical Expert
A certified physician has identified frequently prescribed medications that may contribute to sexual difficulties.
Dr. Evan Levine, a cardiologist based at Mount Sinai in New York, advises individuals experiencing erectile problems to consider whether they have recently started any new medications within the past month.
He clarified that certain drugs designed to support the health of the heart, kidneys, brain, and other organs might inadvertently cause sexual performance issues.
Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction
Statistics from 2024 indicate that approximately 50 million men in the United States, aged between 40 and 70, experience erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, studies suggest that up to 50 percent of women in the US report difficulties achieving orgasm.
Medications Potentially Contributing to Sexual Problems
Beta Blockers and Sexual Health
Dr. Levine initially pointed to beta blockers, commonly used to manage heart conditions, as a potential factor. Around 30 million Americans use beta-blockers, making them among the most widely dispensed drugs nationwide.
Beta blockers are prescribed to treat irregular heart rhythms, angina (chest pain), and to prevent recurrent heart attacks. They function by diminishing the intensity of heartbeats and lowering blood pressure.
Dr. Evan Levine, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai, recently discussed common causes of sexual performance issues and potential solutions.
These medications operate by counteracting the effects of adrenaline on the heart, a hormone known to constrict blood vessels and increase heart pumping force.
However, a 2013 review of 15 clinical trials discovered that men taking beta blockers were almost twice as likely to develop impotence.
Research from a 2022 study in the Reviews of Cardiovascular Medicine proposes that blocking adrenaline release can dampen excitement levels, consequently reducing testosterone production.
Researchers also suggest that by reducing blood pressure and heart contractions, beta blockers might impede sufficient blood flow to the penis necessary for maintaining erections.
For women, some experts speculate that beta blockers may diminish libido by inducing a degree of sedation.