Erectile dysfunction, which is common in men with hypertension, has been reported as a common adverse effect of many antihypertensive drug classes, including beta-blockers and diuretics. Atenolol and nebivolol are both beta(1)-selective blockers, but nebivolol is a new-generation compound with nitric oxide-mediated vasodilating activity. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of nebivolol and atenolol +/- chlorthalidone on the sexual function of hypertensive men.