Discover how common medications can impact your intimate life as you age. Learn more about the side effects of medications and find supportive solutions for a healthier, more fulfilling connection.

Published: May 7, 2025

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Changes in sexual desire and behaviors are normal as we age, but often there is a stigma attached to topics around seniors and intimacy. Older people take proportionately more medications than their younger counterparts. Coupled with physical aging, this puts them at higher likelihood for side effects that impact sex. Sex and intimacy can be affected by age-related changes in the body, and certain medications can have an impact too. Drugs, including high blood pressure medication, can have noticeable sexual side effects. Here are some things to keep in mind about medication effects on sexual function, sexual desire and other issues related to intimacy. 

High blood pressure medication and sexual function

“We have a pretty good understanding about the link between high blood pressure and sexual dysfunction in men,” said Joshua H. Brandon, M.D., family medicine physician with Norton Community Medical Associates. “We understand less about how it affects women.”

High blood pressure does not usually have symptoms. In time, this condition does damage to the lining of the blood vessels throughout the body. As the arteries harden and narrow, blood flow to the entire body is reduced, including the penis. This can lead to a condition called erectile dysfunction, which makes it difficult to get and maintain an erection. High blood pressure also can affect ejaculation. 

For women, it is possible that high blood pressure reduces blood flow to the vagina. Some women may also experience:

• Lowered sex drive or arousal
• Difficulty having an orgasm
• Vaginal dryness

Erectile dysfunction, lowered sex drive, difficulty reaching orgasm and other symptoms of high blood pressure can increase anxiety and relationship issues. 

There are several medications used to treat high blood pressure, and some of them may have sexual side effects. Some high blood pressure medicines can affect sex drive or the quality of sex.

• Water pills can decrease blood flow to the penis, which can make it difficult to get an erection. They also lower levels of zinc, which is needed to make the hormone testosterone. 
• Beta blockers especially older beta blockers such as propranolol, are often linked with sexual issues. 

Some high blood pressure medications may have fewer sexual side effects.

Other common medications and sexual health

Besides blood pressure medication, there are other kinds of drugs that can impact sexual function, including:

• Antidepressants (especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, known as SSRIs) 
• Antihistamines and allergy medications
• Cholesterol-lowering medications
• Diabetes medications
• Hormone therapies
• Parkinson’s disease and seizure medications

Taking control: Practical steps for better sexual health

If you think your medications are causing unwanted side effects, are impacting sexual activity or are affecting your quality of life, it is important to talk to your health care provider. You should always take medications as prescribed, and do not stop or start a medicine without direction from your provider. Consider keeping track of your medication schedule and any effects you notice around sex or intimacy, and share that with your health care provider. 

“We may be able to modify medications, adjust dosage, change prescriptions or recommend other changes you can implement,” Dr. Brandon said. 

It is very important to be as open and honest as possible with your physician. Here are some guidelines for talking about sexual health with your health care provider:

Make a list of side effects and questions you have before your appointment.

Find a way to start the conversation that feels comfortable. Here are some tips for talking to your doctor about this issue. Try saying things like:

• I’m having some concerns about my sexual health.
• I want to ask about a specific health issue.
• I am having issues with sexual desire/low libido/sexual performance.

Once you start the conversation, most providers will pick it up from there. If you sense your provider may be uncomfortable, ask for a referral.

Primary care providers are your ally in sexual wellness

Your provider is a valuable resource and adviser for all your health needs. It may feel uncomfortable, but you deserve to have your questions answered and find help. Sexual health is important for your overall well-being and quality of life.

“We can’t help if we don’t know there is an issue,” Dr. Brandon said.

Beyond medication: Additional Solutions

There are ways to manage sexual side effects of drugs, including antihypertensive medication, mental health medicine and other medications, including: 

• Mechanical aids such as vacuum devices or penile implants may help with erectile dysfunction. There’s also a vacuum device for women. Dilators may help people who experience narrowing of their vagina due to menopause. Devices like vibrators can be helpful to help improve sexual enjoyment and ability to achieve orgasm.
• Sex therapists can help people experiencing sexual issues that can’t be addressed by the primary care physician. Therapists often can do couples counseling.
• Behavioral treatments involve various techniques, such as addressing harmful behaviors or self-stimulation methods. 
• Psychotherapy with a trained counselor can help you address psychological factors that affect sexual function, including trauma from the past, feelings of anxiety, fear, guilt and poor body image. 

The next step

Sexual health is a concern at any age. Prioritize your overall well-being, including intimate relationships. Talk with your primary care provider about any concerns you may have.