Effect of frequently prescribed cardiovascular medications on sexual function: a pilot study

To determine the effect on male sexual function of initiating any one of the cardiovascular medications most frequently prescribed at our institution.

Men were surveyed via telephone when they received a new prescription for hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, lisinopril, verapamil, nifedipine, or diltiazem, and after 30 days of daily medication ingestion. To assess Hawthorne effect, men who had no change to their medication regimen also were surveyed at the time of medication refill for maintenance therapy and 30 days later.

Community-dwelling male veterans who received a single new prescription between January 1 and April 1, 1992 (n = 134).

Responses to questions about sexual interest, erectile function, orgasmic ability, and sexual satisfaction.

Men who had no change to their medication regimen showed no change in sexual interest, erectile function, orgasmic ability, or satisfaction. Hydrochlorothiazide was associated with decreased orgasmic ability (p = 0.008). Although none of the other changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05), both nifedipine and diltiazem showed a trend toward improved sexual function.

Hydrochlorothiazide may be associated with anorgasmia. More study is needed to determine if nifedipine and diltiazem improve erectile function. Furosemide, lisinopril, and verapamil likely have no effect on sexual function.