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- $Unique_ID{BRK00383}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Hypertension Medicine and Loss of Sexual Drive}
- $Subject{blood pressure libido sex medications Circulatory impotence
- hypertension medicines medicine lifestyle lifestyles side effect sexual
- ability antihypertensives psychotropic medication antidepressives antianxiety
- Central nervous depressants alcohol sedatives narcotics}
- $Volume{G-23, R-23}
- $Log{
- Causative Factors of Hypertension*0009601.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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-
- Hypertension Medicine and Loss of Sexual Drive
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-
- QUESTION: In talking with several women recently, it appears that several
- husbands have lost interest and ability for sex after being diagnosed for
- hypertension. The common denominator seems to be their medicine. The men
- apparently are reluctant to pursue the problem. As a doctor, what route would
- you take to correct this problem? These men are not too old!
-
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-
- ANSWER: Nowhere have I seen the power of communication more dramatically
- demonstrated than in your question, with all its implications. Sharing
- information makes us all wiser and sometimes leads to the discovery of
- problems that are frequently not discussed, and from there to solutions.
- While male impotence may stem from many causes, both physical and
- psychological, there is no question that medications are frequently the
- culprits. While the prescribing information may fail to take note of this
- unwanted side effect, there isn't a textbook worth its cost that doesn't
- include an impressive list of medications that reduce sexual ability. The
- largest number are found under the heading "antihypertensives" with
- psychotropic medication, both antidepressives and antianxiety agents, next in
- line. Central nervous system depressants, including alcohol, as well as
- sedatives and narcotics all are there as well. Now to the route to take, and
- let us use the same technique to solve the problem that led to its discovery,
- communication. If your husband has suddenly found himself deprived of powers
- he had possessed formerly, and is unaware that his medications may be doing
- him in, he must be suffering emotionally from this unexpected loss of his
- manliness. This is kept locked up inside, frequently denied, but usually not
- addressed openly. By sharing your knowledge (and this answer) with him, you
- can take the first step on the path that can lead to the solution you seek.
- Next step: the physician, who has heard this all before, but since not all
- men have the same reaction, is also unaware that this problem now exists.
- Communication, again. Last step, a change in medication for one which will
- still control the hypertension, but does not generate this problem. There are
- several such medications to chose from. I hope this answer will cause many of
- my readers to stop and think, to determine whether or not they may be
- unknowing passengers in the same boat.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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