Antihypertensive therapy and male sexual dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction appears to be a significant problem in male patients being treated for hypertension, regardless of the therapeutic regimen.

Abstract

Eight hundred sixty-one male patients receiving antihypertensive medication were evaluated for sexual dysfunction by means of a printed questionnaire. A positive history for this problem was found in 9% of patients receiving a diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide) alone, 13% of those receiving methyldopa, 15% receiving clonidine, and 23% treated with propranolol and hydralazine in combination. The incidence of sexual dysfunction in 177 control patients was 4%. Sexual dysfunction thus appears to be a significant problem in male patients being treated for hypertension, regardless of the therapeutic regimen.