According to the World Health Organization, hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects approximately one billion people worldwide.

Hypertension is a common condition that affects people of all genders and ages, but several studies suggest that hypertension in women is associated with sexual dysfunction. In this article, we will explore the correlation between hypertension and women’s sexual functioning.

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is a chronic medical condition that occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers – systolic and diastolic.

Systolic pressure measures the force of blood in the arteries when the heart beats, while diastolic pressure measures the force of blood in the arteries between heartbeats. Hypertension is a silent condition, meaning it often has no symptoms, yet it can lead to severe health conditions like heart attack and stroke if left untreated.

How Does Hypertension Affect Women’s Sexual Functioning?

Several studies suggest that hypertension in women can lead to sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is a general term that refers to problems with sexual desire, arousal, or orgasm.

A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women with hypertension reported lower sexual function compared to women without hypertension. The study investigated 145 women with hypertension and 312 women without hypertension and found that women with hypertension had lower scores on all domains of sexual function, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain.

What Causes Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Hypertension?

The exact mechanism of how hypertension contributes to sexual dysfunction in women is not entirely understood. However, several factors may play a role.

Firstly, hypertension can damage blood vessels and decrease blood flow to the genital area, which can lead to decreased vaginal lubrication and difficulty achieving orgasm. Secondly, hypertension is often associated with other health conditions like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, which can also contribute to sexual dysfunction.

Thirdly, hypertension medications like beta-blockers and diuretics can sometimes cause sexual side effects like decreased libido, vaginal dryness, and difficulty reaching orgasm.

If you are experiencing sexual dysfunction related to hypertension, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider.

Treatment options may include medication adjustments to alternative medications that have fewer sexual side effects, psychotherapy, or other forms of therapy that can help to improve sexual function. Additionally, managing hypertension through lifestyle changes like regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a balanced diet can also improve sexual functioning.

The Bottom Line

Hypertension is a common medical condition that can lead to severe health complications like heart attack and stroke if left untreated. Several studies suggest that hypertension in women is associated with sexual dysfunction.

Women with hypertension may experience lower sexual function than women without hypertension due to decreased blood flow to the genital area, other health conditions associated with hypertension, and side effects of hypertension medications. However, hypertension-related sexual dysfunction can be treated through medication adjustments, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Talking to your healthcare provider about your symptoms is an essential step in improving sexual function and overall health.