Erectile dysfunction in Nigerian hypertensives.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is associated with hypertension and its treatment. It is known to impair and quality of life and compliance to treatment. This study excluded diseases which co-exist with hypertension as well as impair erectile function in their own right. This was to see how much of this problem could be ascribed solely to hypertension or its treatment. Thirty six untreated, newly diagnosed hypertensive males, 21 hypertensive males on thiazides and 37 non hypertensive controls were studied. Co-morbidities which on their own could cause ED were excluded. Erectile function, smoking and alcohol habits were documented. Patient groups were matched for age. Smoking rates were low. There was no significant difference in alcohol use among cases. Both hypertensive groups significantly had more ED than controls. Hypertensives on thiazides tended to have more ED than the untreated newly diagnosed group. ED is common in hypertensives even before treatment and tended to rise with thiazide use. Since it affects intimacy between couples adversely, impacting negatively on treatment outcome; it should be sought in all cases before treatment. Where present, appropriate management steps should be instituted to maintain quality of life and ensure compliance.