A patient who stopped antihypertensive therapy due to concerns about sexual function should be informed that:

• A. Alternative medication therapy that will not affect sexual function is available
• B. Serious hypertension is likely to result from stopping medications abruptly
• C. The side effects would have disappeared with continued administration
• D. Stopping the medications now will cause a stroke

Answer: (A)

When a patient is concerned about sexual function, the best approach is to explain that there are antihypertensive options that can maintain blood pressure control with less impact on sexual function. If the current therapy is contributing to sexual dysfunction, switching to an alternative class of medication can often preserve sexual health while keeping BP in a target range. For example, many patients tolerate ACE inhibitors or ARBs well and experience fewer sexual side effects compared with some other classes. The aim is to balance effective hypertension management with quality-of-life considerations, so the patient remains adherent. Abruptly stopping medications poses real risks, such as rebound hypertension that can raise the chance of a stroke or heart attack, which is why continuing therapy and adjusting the regimen is preferred. Side effects may not disappear with continued use, so changing to a different agent is a practical solution.