Can a man with high blood pressure impregnate? The answer is Yes! A man with high blood pressure can still get a partner pregnant. But high blood pressure can make it harder. It affects sperm quality, changes hormone levels, and can cause erection problems. All of these reduce fertility. Let’s break it down.
Sperm Quality
High blood pressure damages small blood vessels. This includes the vessels in the testicles. Poor blood flow means less oxygen and nutrients. The testicles need both to make sperm.
In studies, 44% of men with high blood pressure had a low sperm count. A normal count is over 15 million sperm per milliliter. Many hypertensive men had fewer than 10 million.
Motility was worse too. Motility means how well sperm move. In healthy men, 40% or more swim properly. In men with high blood pressure, the number is often below 30%.
Shape matters. This is called sperm morphology. Only 4% of sperm need to have a normal shape for fertility. But this number drops with hypertension.
Hormone Disruption
So, can a man with high blood pressure Impregnate?High blood pressure can lower testosterone. Testosterone is the main male sex hormone. It controls sex drive and sperm production. Less testosterone means fewer sperm.
Other hormones also suffer. Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) may be reduced. These hormones tell the testicles to make sperm. If they drop, sperm production slows down.
Erectile Dysfunction
Men with high blood pressure are more likely to have erectile dysfunction (ED). ED means trouble getting or keeping an erection. This makes intercourse harder. That makes conception harder.
The cause is blood flow. Erections need healthy arteries. High blood pressure narrows and stiffens arteries. That includes the ones in the penis.
But here’s good news: Viagra (sildenafil) can help. Viagra improves blood flow to the penis. It helps with erections. And importantly, Viagra does not raise blood pressure. In fact, it may lower it slightly. It’s safe for many men with high blood pressure. Still, check with your doctor before using it.
Medication Effects
Some blood pressure drugs affect fertility. Not all, but some.
Beta-blockers like atenolol and metoprolol can reduce libido. They may worsen ED.
Calcium channel blockers like amlodipine can harm sperm. They may reduce sperm count and motility. Sperm need calcium to swim. These drugs block that calcium.
Other drugs may be better. ACE inhibitors and ARBs are usually safer for fertility. Ask your doctor about your options.
Viagra can also be used alongside many blood pressure medications. Just avoid combining it with nitrate drugs (like nitroglycerin). That combination is unsafe.
Lifestyle Factors
Your habits matter too.
Smoking harms sperm. It damages sperm DNA. It lowers motility.
Heavy alcohol use drops testosterone.
Obesity throws off hormones. It can also raise blood pressure.
Stress increases blood pressure. It also affects hormones and sexual function.
The good news? You can change these. Quit smoking. Cut back alcohol. Lose weight. Sleep more. Exercise. These all help fertility. They also improve blood pressure.
Sperm quality can improve in 3 months with healthier habits.
Sources
Navaneethabalakrishnan S et al (2020) Hypertension and reproductive dysfunction
The American Heart Association. How High Blood Pressure Can Affect Your Sex Life
