Does losartan cause erectile dysfunction?

If you've been prescribed losartan or another medication for high blood pressure, you might be wondering: Will it affect my sex life? And does losartan cause erectile dysfunction (ED)? They’re both valid concerns since some blood pressure drugs can contribute to ED. 

The good news? Losartan is different. In fact, it's typically one of the safer options when it comes to sexual function.

Losartan is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat high blood pressure. Like all medications, it carries a risk of side effects. Fortunately, though, ED isn’t usually one of them. 

Keep reading to learn more about losartan and erectile dysfunction. 

Not usually. Losartan typically doesn’t cause ED, and ED isn’t listed as one of the medication’s usual side effects. There have been a few older reports of men experiencing ED while taking losartan, including one 61-year-old man who reported having fewer erections per week. 

However, no link has been found between losartan and ED. Losartan is generally considered one of the safer options compared to older blood pressure medications, such as beta blockers and diuretics, when it comes to sexual function. 

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It’s possible. 

Losartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Think of it this way: Losartan can help your blood vessels relax and widen, similar to how a highway with more lanes can handle more traffic. This improved blood flow can not only lower your blood pressure, but it can also support better erectile function.

Over time, high blood pressure (hypertension) can affect penile function and lead to sexual dysfunction, including ED.  That’s because it can damage and narrow blood vessels, making it harder for enough blood to flow into the penis to get and keep an erection. But by improving blood flow and controlling blood pressure, losartan may help with ED. 

Research dating back to 2001 has shown that losartan can improve sexual dysfunction in men with high blood pressure. However, subsequent research has been mixed. 

A 2019 study found that ARBs, like losartan, helped improve sexual activity in men with high blood pressure. But they did not improve erectile dysfunction specifically. 

Here's something important to understand: If you're experiencing ED while taking losartan, the medication itself probably isn't the culprit. 

ED is complex, and several factors often work together to affect sexual function. This can make it tricky to pinpoint a single cause, but that also means there can be multiple ways to address it. 

Here are some factors that may contribute to ED while taking losartan:

• Underlying medical conditions: Erections occur when blood flows into the erectile chambers of the penis. Medical conditions that impair blood circulation can increase the risk of ED while taking losartan. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity. 

• Other medications: Certain medications may cause ED as a side effect or interfere with blood flow, which can also contribute to the condition. Examples include antidepressants, opioids, and antipsychotics. 

• Psychological factors: Emotions can play a key role in sexual performance. Stress, depression, and anxiety can increase the likelihood of experiencing ED while taking losartan. 

• Lifestyle factors: Lack of exercise, poor nutrition, heavy alcohol use, and recreational drug use may increase the risk of ED while taking losartan. 

The most important thing to know? ED while taking losartan is often treatable. You have options — several strategies, in fact.  

Many people find relief through lifestyle changes alone, and prescription medications can also be highly effective when needed.

Here are some key ED treatment options if you’re experiencing ED on losartan or otherwise: 

Prescription medications

Phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors) like Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil) are typically the first-line medications for ED. They work by increasing blood flow to the penis to support stronger, longer-lasting erections. 

Viagra and Cialis are typically taken as needed about 60 minutes before sex. However, Cialis may also be taken daily, which allows for more spontaneity. 

Some PDE5 inhibitors are also available in newer formulations, including Ro Sparks, a dissolvable 2-in-1 treatment that contains sildenafil and tadalafil (the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis), and Daily Rise Gummies, fruit-flavored gummies made with a daily dose of tadalafil.

 While these formulations haven’t been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they contain active ingredients that have been FDA-approved for ED. 

Healthy diet

Research shows that the Mediterranean diet may help prevent ED and support healthy erectile function. The Mediterranean diet focuses on plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. 

All of these are nutritious foods that support blood flow and cardiovascular health — two factors that are important for maintaining erectile function. 

Increased physical activity 

A review of research found that physical activity improved male sexual function and helped manage ED. Regular exercise can help with erectile dysfunction in several ways, including increasing testosterone, improving cardiovascular function, and reducing anxiety. 

What is considered “regular exercise?” You don’t need to become a gym groupie or train for a marathon. Generally, the goal is to aim for at least 30 minutes of movement, five days a week. That could be a brisk walk after dinner, a bike ride, swimming laps at your local pool, or even a home workout routine. The key is finding something you’ll actually stick with.

Manage underlying health conditions

Many health conditions can contribute to  ED, including:

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Heart disease

That’s why it’s especially important to consult a healthcare provider (such as one through Ro) if you’re experiencing ED symptoms. They can determine if another condition may be to blame and help create a safe and effective treatment plan for you. 

Prioritize your mental health

Your mental state matters more than you might think. Stress from work, relationship anxiety, poor sleep — these aren't just in your head. They can directly impact your ability to get and maintain an erection. 

If you’re dealing with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or chronic stress, addressing these issues can significantly improve your sexual experience. Talk therapy, stress management techniques, and in some cases, medications can all make a real difference.

Avoid smoking, recreational drugs, and alcohol

Smoking, recreational drug use, and heavy alcohol consumption have been linked to ED. 

Cutting back or quitting isn't always easy, but even small improvements in these habits can make a meaningful difference in your sexual health. If you're struggling to make these changes on your own, a healthcare provider can offer guidance and support. You don’t have to navigate it alone.

Lisinopril is another commonly prescribed medication for high blood pressure. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.  Like losartan, it works by blocking the constriction of blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. 

If you're choosing between lisinopril and losartan (or considering switching), here's what matters for sexual function: 

• Both lisinopril and losartan are relatively safe prescription medications.

• Neither drug commonly causes ED. 

• In fact, both lisinopril and losartan may improve erectile function by controlling blood pressure. 

• That said, some research suggests losartan may have more beneficial effects on erectile function than lisinopril. 

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Let's put it all together. If you're taking losartan and worried about ED, here's what you need to know:

• ED isn’t a known side effect of losartan. No established link exists between losartan and ED. 

• Losartan may help improve ED symptoms. It is thought to help with ED by lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow to the penis to support healthy erectile function. 

• If you experience ED while taking losartan, several treatment options are available. These include prescription medications, lifestyle modifications, and managing underlying health conditions.