Hypertension and erectile dysfunction
Hypertension is a condition that may result in the blood vessels becoming stiff, which could be likened to a water pipe becoming hard and narrow. This condition is called ‘arteriosclerosis’. When the blood vessels become stiff, the blood may not flow as smoothly as it should, and in particular, the blood necessary for an erection may not reach the penis sufficiently. This could be one of the causes of erectile dysfunction (ED).
What is the relationship between hypertension and erectile dysfunction?
Hypertension is a disease that exerts a strain on blood vessels, leading to the development of arteriosclerosis. As this arteriosclerosis progresses, the blood vessels narrow, resulting in impaired blood flow. For an erection to occur, a sufficient volume of blood must flow into the penile arteries. However, when the blood vessels narrow due to arteriosclerosis, this flow of blood is obstructed, leading to erectile dysfunction.
High blood pressure medication side effects
Hypertension medication helps control blood pressure and improve health. All drugs can have side effects.
- Erectile dysfunction: Some blood pressure drugs can cause erectile dysfunction. They affect the nerves or blood vessels needed for erections.
- Other side effects: Some people may experience side effects like fatigue, dizziness, and swelling.
Not all hypertension drugs cause erectile dysfunction. Side effects can be improved by changing the medication or dosage.
The concept of Oriental medicine
Hypertension is not just an abnormal reading on a blood pressure monitor, but a condition that can be seen as a disruption to the body’s overall balance. In Oriental medicine, it is thought that the flow of ‘qi=energy’ becomes blocked, the blood becomes thick, and this puts pressure on the blood vessels, causing blood pressure to rise.
Blocked circulation of ‘qi’: It is the energy of life. If this slows down, blood vessels will narrow and blood pressure will rise. We call ‘Kitai’（気滞）.
Blood congestion: Blood carries nutrients around the body. If blood flow is slow, waste builds up on blood vessel walls, raising blood pressure. We call ‘Oketsu’（瘀血）.
This deterioration in the circulation of ‘qi’ and ‘blood’ can lead to a decline in the ‘kidneys’, which are important organs that control reproductive functions, and may be a contributing factor to erectile dysfunction, which is thought to lead to a decline in sexual function.
Water poisoning: Excess water in the body can cause blood pressure to rise by putting pressure on the blood vessels. ‘Suidoku’（水毒）.
Malfunction of the five viscera and six bowels: If the function of the liver and kidneys in particular declines, it becomes difficult to control blood pressure, and this can lead to hypertension.
Hypertension and massage
Benefits
- Relaxing muscles: This relaxes tense muscles. This may lower blood pressure.
- Reducing stress: It reduces stress hormones and relaxes you. Stress can cause high blood pressure. Reducing stress may help to control it.
- Promotes blood circulation: It should improve blood circulation and lymph flow. This may help to get rid of waste and excess water, which can help blood vessels.
Notes
- Too much pressure is not good: If you have high blood pressure, your blood vessels may be fragile. Therefore, too much pressure could raise your blood pressure or damage your blood vessels.
It has also been suggested that if you have high blood pressure, your blood vessels may be stiff and fragile. Therefore, too much pressure could raise your blood pressure or damage your blood vessels, so be sure to consult a doctor or specialist before having a massage.