Dr. Deepali is a qualified dental surgeon with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from the esteemed MR Ambedkar Dental College, Bangalore. With a strong foundation in clinical healthcare and a deep-rooted passion for storytelling, she has transitioned into the world of medical writing—where science meets empathy. Drawing from years of hands-on experience in patient care, Dr. Deepali specializes in simplifying complex health information into clear, relatable, and trustworthy content. Her journey as a writer began long before her medical career—with published articles, play scripts, and creative pieces written during her school and college years. Today, she combines that creative flair with her medical background to write well-researched articles on sexual wellness, general health, mental well-being, and more. Her core belief is that health content should empower—not overwhelm. She is especially passionate about patient education and uses her writing to bridge the gap between medical jargon and everyday understanding. Every article she creates is grounded in scientific evidence, empathy, and accessibility.
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Updated on 9th December 2025
Losartan is one of the few blood pressure medications that rarely causes sexual problems, in fact, it often improves erectile function rather than harming it. Unlike beta-blockers and diuretics that commonly cause ED and low libido, losartan works by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow, which can actually help with erections. While erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and ejaculation issues are listed as possible side effects, they occur in less than 1% of users, and most sexual difficulties that appear while taking losartan are typically caused by the underlying high blood pressure itself, stress, or other medications taken alongside it. If you're experiencing sexual side effects on losartan, talk to your doctor—simple solutions like lifestyle changes, reviewing other medications, adjusting your dose, or adding ED treatments can often resolve the issue while keeping your blood pressure under control.
Losartan sexual side effects are a major concern for men who suddenly start experiencing erectile dysfunction, low libido, difficulty maintaining an erection, or changes in ejaculation. The direct answer is this: losartan is one of the few blood pressure medications that rarely causes sexual problems, and in many cases, it actually improves erections rather than worsening them. Most sexual difficulties that appear while taking losartan are usually linked to high blood pressure itself, stress, or other medications taken alongside it, not the losartan.
In this article, we’ll walk through how losartan affects sexual function, why it’s often preferred over older BP drugs, what rare side effects to be aware of, and how to manage ED if it shows up while you’re on treatment.
Allo asks
Losartan is a blood pressure medication and is often considered one of the better options for protecting sexual health[1]. Yes, some blood pressure medicines can cause sexual side effects, but losartan is usually a safer choice compared to many older drugs for sexual satisfaction.
Medications like beta-blockers and diuretics are well known for causing issues such as low libido or erectile dysfunction[2]. In contrast, losartan has a neutral, and in some cases even beneficial, effect on sexual function. This is why it’s often the first alternative doctors consider for men who experience sexual side effects from other heart medications.
Losartan belongs to a group of medicines called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)(angiotensin II antagonist). It works by blocking the chemical that makes blood vessels tighten and narrow during high blood pressure[3]. When this chemical is blocked, the blood vessels relax, allowing blood to flow more easily and lowering overall blood pressure.
Now, how does this improved blood flow influence erections and erectile dysfunction? Let’s explore that next.
In most men, losartan does not cause erectile dysfunction. In fact, it is often prescribed as an alternative for men who develop ED while taking other blood pressure medications.
High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels over time, which reduces the blood flow needed for an erection[4]. This is where losartan helps. It blocks angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to tighten and narrow. By blocking this hormone, losartan helps the vessels relax and improves blood flow.
So if someone has ED while taking losartan, it’s usually due to the underlying high blood pressure, not the medication itself.
Erectile dysfunction linked to blood pressure is very common, and the good news is that it’s usually treatable. Once we understand the root cause, we can make a plan that improves both your heart health and your sexual health.
Even though losartan is generally protective, “inability to have or keep an erection” is listed as a less common side effect in official medical documents. This happens in a very small number of people.
Bottom line, losartan doesn’t affect erections in most men, and when it does, the effect is often neutral or even positive.
Sexual side effects are one of the most common reasons patients stop taking blood pressure medication. To understand why losartan stands out, it helps to compare it with other drugs that are known to affect sexual performance.
| Medication Class | Impact on Performance | Why It Happens |
|---|---|---|
|
Losartan (ARBs) |
Neutral or beneficial |
Blocks angiotensin II, helping blood vessels relax and improving overall blood flow. |
|
Beta-blockers (e.g., Atenolol) |
High risk |
Slows the heart rate and reduces nerve impulses, which can make it harder to get an erection and may lower arousal. |
|
Diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide) |
Negative |
Reduces blood volume, which can limit blood flow to the penis and affect erections. |
|
ACE inhibitors (Lisinopril, Enalapril) |
Neutral |
Usually do not cause sexual dysfunction, but they are less likely than ARBs to improve erectile function. |
In simple terms, losartan is often the preferred choice when sexual side effects are a concern, especially for men who develop ED on beta-blockers or diuretics.
Yes, losartan can improve erectile dysfunction, especially in men with high blood pressure. Hypertension is one of the major risk factors for ED, so treating it effectively can make a noticeable difference.
A 2001 study[5] published in the American Journal of Medicine and Science was one of the first to show that men with hypertension(hypertensive subjects) and sexual dysfunction experienced better sexual function after switching to losartan.
The way losartan helps is quite logical. High blood pressure damages the lining of blood vessels (the endothelium), making it harder for them to relax and allow healthy blood flow to the penis. Over time, this leads to stiff, narrowed arteries, a key cause of erectile difficulties.
Losartan helps the vessels relax and widen, improving circulation throughout the body, including to the penis.
Unlike beta-blockers, which may lower testosterone in some men, animal studies[6] suggest that losartan does not negatively affect testosterone levels. In certain stress-related conditions, it may even protect testicular tissue from damage.
Losartan sexual side effects are uncommon, but it’s still helpful to know what may occur in rare situations.
Losartan rarely affects libido. “Decreased interest in sex” is listed as a rare side effect, seen in less than 1% of users[1]. In comparison, loss of libido is a much more common problem with medications like beta-blockers.
There is no strong clinical evidence linking losartan to delayed ejaculation or difficulty reaching orgasm. In animal studies[6] that compared losartan with beta-blockers, beta-blockers caused clear delays in ejaculation, while losartan showed no significant impact on sexual performance.
If losartan lowers blood pressure too much, some men may feel light-headed or fatigued. These symptoms can indirectly affect sexual performance but are not considered direct sexual side effects.
Worrying about possible side effects can sometimes create performance anxiety, which may affect erections more than the medication itself.
Losartan is generally safe for most men, but certain groups may need to be a little more careful or consult their doctor before starting or adjusting the dose.
If blood pressure is already on the lower side, losartan may reduce it further and cause dizziness or fatigue, which can indirectly affect sexual performance.
Those with serious heart conditions may need closer monitoring, as sudden changes in blood pressure can be risky.
Combining several antihypertensives can sometimes lower blood pressure too much, increasing the chance of light-headedness or reduced stamina.
Elderly men may be more sensitive to blood pressure shifts and may need lower starting doses.
Some medications, such as certain antidepressants, beta-blockers, or diuretics, can worsen erectile dysfunction. When combined with losartan, the overall impact on sexual function may be more noticeable.
If ED develops while taking losartan, there are several simple and effective steps that can help improve sexual function.
A medical professional can identify whether the ED is related to blood pressure, medication, or another underlying cause. This is often the quickest way to find the right solution.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, better sleep, and quitting smoking can all improve blood flow and support healthier erections.
Sometimes the issue isn’t losartan at all. Other drugs, such as beta-blockers, antidepressants, or diuretics, may contribute to erectile problems.
In some cases, adjusting the dose of losartan or changing the timing of the medication can reduce symptoms. This should always be done with medical guidance.
ED Medications like PDE5 inhibitors (such as sildenafil or tadalafil) are commonly used and can be safe to take with losartan when prescribed by a doctor.
If something feels off with your sexual health after starting a blood pressure medicine, getting professional advice can offer clarity and reassurance.
Losartan sexual side effects do exist, but they are far less common and less severe compared to many other blood pressure medications. In most men, losartan does not harm erectile function, and it may even help improve it.
Some men may still experience erectile difficulties while taking losartan, but this is often due to other factors such as high blood pressure itself, anxiety, or the effects of additional medications.
This is why it’s important to speak with your doctor if you notice any changes in your sexual health while on losartan. A simple conversation can help identify the root cause and guide you toward the right treatment plan.
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