High Blood Pressure and Male Fertility
Written by Ben Bunting: BA(Hons), PGCert.
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If you're wondering, "Does high blood pressure affect male fertility?" read this article to learn more about this common condition. High blood pressure (hypertension) is associated with several health problems, including: low sperm count, Varicoceles, Inflammation from other causes of high blood pressure, and Drugs used to control it. Here's how arterial hypertension affects male fertility. Listed below are some potential risks.
Low sperm count
It has been hypothesized that arterial hypertension may affect male fertility. In fact, researchers have measured sperm quality in men taking multiple medications. These findings are intriguing as they indicate that a combination of elevated blood pressure and multiple medications may be the cause of low sperm counts in men. High blood pressure is not the only cause of low sperm counts, however. Physical work on the job can also contribute to reduced sperm quality. In a study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, researchers found that men who were taking multiple medications for high blood pressure also had lower sperm quality.
Although low sperm counts do not necessarily indicate permanent infertility, they may signal an issue with sperm delivery. If there are no sperm found on semen analysis, further testing may be required to rule out other causes. In the case of no sperm, a transrectal ultrasound test may be indicated. This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the organ. The ultrasound probe is placed into the rectum and beams sound waves to nearby ejaculatory ducts. If the ultrasound shows abnormalities in the ejaculatory ducts, they can determine if treatment is needed.
Inflammation from other causes of high blood pressure
Hypertension is a common chronic illness in the United States, affecting approximately 30% of adult males. Antihypertensive medications are common, and prescriptions for them outnumber those for any other category. In 2014, 705 million prescriptions were written for antihypertensive drugs. However, there is relatively little research on the relationship between hypertension and male fertility. In this article, we will examine the relationship between hypertension and male fertility.
➡️READ: Natural treatments for male infertility
Inflammation from other causes of high blood-pressure is also associated with decreased male fertility, particularly in men who have undergone abdominal or pelvic surgery. Additionally, high blood pressure can negatively affect male fertility through the effects of congestive heart failure, which causes chest pain, shortness of breath, and swollen hands and feet. Finally, hypertension and inflammation are associated with a reduction in male sexual desire.
Drugs used to control high blood pressure
The study looked at whether or not common blood pressure medications affected male fertility. It found that men taking beta blockers and ACE Inhibitors decreased their chances of conception by around 11 percent. These drugs also reduce semen volume and concentration, make the heart work slower, and interfere with the activity of adrenaline hormones. A recent study at Stanford University looked at health data for 800,000 men taking blood pressure drugs.
Taking lisinopril does not appear to affect male fertility, and some patients have complained of reduced libido and erection problems while taking it. Although the risk of male fertility from taking this drug is low, it is worth checking with your doctor before starting the drug. Although it does not affect male fertility, it should never be used if either the male or female partner plans to become pregnant.
Varicoceles
Many men suffer from infertility because of varicoceles, a condition that causes the left testicle to grow slowly during puberty. This can be caused by renal venous hypertension. This condition affects more than four out of every ten men. Fortunately, varicoceles can be treated and resolved. You can return to sexual and physical activity after the surgery. Your doctor will determine if treatment is necessary. If you suspect you might have varicoceles, you should see your doctor for an evaluation.
In addition to high blood pressure, varicoceles can affect the male reproductive system. Some studies have linked them with decreased sperm quality and increased scrotal pressure, affecting the health of semen. Other theories relate varicoceles to poor blood circulation in the testicles and low levels of oxygen in the scrotum. Surgical procedures to correct varicoceles include laparoscopic varicocelectomy, which involves repair of the condition through the abdomen. However, this type of treatment carries a higher risk and requires a longer recovery period.
Rectal probe electroejaculation
If you have high blood pressure and a low sperm count, you might want to consider rectal probe electroejaculation for male infertility. While a low sperm count does not always indicate permanent infertility, it can indicate a problem with ejaculation and sperm growth. If you have no sperm in the semen analysis, treatment may be possible.
Before rectal probe electroejaculation for male infertility, your doctor will perform an anoscopy. This will help him check the condition of your prostate and assess whether it can be repaired. If you cannot get pregnant naturally after electroejaculation, you can opt for a surgical procedure. During the procedure, your doctor will pass a cystoscope down the urethra and then insert a sterile probe to stimulate your prostate. This procedure is very effective in getting sperm into the semen. The procedure may also result in incontinence, although this is rare. Moreover, only 1 in 4 couples who undergo this surgery get pregnant naturally.
