Dear hopethishelps,

Unfortunately no one on this board can help your friend. He needs to see the doc for alternatives to his current treatment, if need be. He is taking 4 kinds of BP meds which are notorious for tampering with all things sexual. And as you know, neither Viagra nor Levitra are designed to make someone enjoy their orgasms more - they are there to facilitate erection.

You've already done something very nice for him - suggested that he exercise. If he is not interested in that, things surely won't improve for him.

One thing though - he might actually be slightly dysthymic from these meds. It's not uncommon that people feel like "zombies" on some BP meds. In fact, some of those meds have been prescribed for people with "stage fright." Some have reported that while their anxiety, pounding heart and blushing decrease, their emotions end up feeling "cut off." And four different meds for just BP - gosh, he could actually be overmedicated, if that's what he's taking. Also not uncommon for older people who end up on a battery of pills and then experience all sorts of side effects.

This is very, very tricky. One of the hallmarks of diagnosing a "mental" disorder or condition is that when someone is not psychotic or has had a break with reality, it's up to him or her to declare his distress. If he's not doing so, this may be one of those things where you suffer more than he does. You can bring up the aspect that BP meds can blunt feelings, but if he's not into going to the doctor to discuss this, then I'm afraid you're out of luck.

Nice try though,
The Love Goddess