I am a chronic hypertensive patient, and I am experiencing erectile dysfunction. Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query, and I am sorry for the issues you are facing.

I will try to guide you in your query. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to attain and or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. The DSM-V (diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders) diagnostic criteria says that the problem regarding ED should have persisted approximately for about six months and should have caused significant distress to the individual to finalize the diagnosis ED.

There are many causes of ED. It includes,

1) Vascular causes like hypertension, peripheral vascular disorder, atherosclerosis, and penile blood vessel injury.

2) Systemic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

3) Endocrine causes like abnormal thyroid levels.

4) Psychiatric causes like depression, stress and relationship problems.

5) Surgical history and medications.

You mentioned the history of disturbed bowel movements for which you take an enema. With its usage lately, you have noticed ED. I do not find any correlation between them. You have chronic hypertension history for which you are taking antihypertensive medicine Lisinopril daily. Chronic hypertension is one of the causes that contribute to ED and some psychological issues.

The first step in the management of ED is thorough history taking including,

1) Sexual history.

2) Medical history.

3) Psychological history.

You have already mentioned the medical history of chronic hypertension. I think chronic hypertension is the cause contributing to the present problem. I suggest visiting the concerned health care physician to diagnose the ED. Once the diagnosis is made, there are various treatment options available depending upon the cause identified in the history given by the patient.

The treatments include:

1) Sexual counseling if that is needed.

2) Oral PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors are the most commonly used medication for ED.

Hope you find my reply helpful.

Please follow up if you have any further related queries.

Thanks and regards.