Sexual dysfunction is more common in women with hypertension (before treatment) compared to normotensive women (42% vs 19%). 12 Although the sexual effects of antihypertensives have been poorly studied in women, these drugs may have similar adverse effects on the arousal phase as in men, leading to failure of swelling and lubrication. Decreased sexual desire (41% of women) and sexual pleasure (34%) have been reported. 13 Alpha adrenergic drugs such as clonidine and prazosin also reduce desire (in a small, randomised trial) 14 and arousal15. The angiotensin II receptor antagonist, valsartan, was associated with improved sexual desire and fantasies when compared with the beta blocker atenolol in women with hypertension. 16