High blood pressure link to female sexual dysfunction

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Women who have high blood pressure are more likely to have sexual problems, according to a new study.
Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) encompasses a range of issues - decrease in sexual desire, difficulty in arousal, and problems reaching orgasm. Doctors in Greece have carried out a survey of more than 400 women at an outpatient clinic and found FSD in more than twice as many of those with high blood pressure compared to among those with normal blood pressure.

Older women were more likely to report sexual problems as were those who had had hypertension long-term. It is already known that there is a link between high blood pressure and male sexual dysfunction. This is the first time a link has been shown among women. FSD can have a severe impact on quality of life. Family doctors are an important point of contact for women being treated for hypertension. They should be aware of the increased possibility of FSD and see what can be done to help.

Source
American Society of Hypertension meeting 19th May 2006