How Diabetes Impacts Male Sexual Health and What Men Can Do to Manage It
Diabetes may make it more difficult for men to get and keep an erection, which may have a detrimental effect on their general quality of life. What men can do to manage the impact of diabetes on their sexual health will be covered in this blog post.
Diabetes is brought on by a lack of the hormone insulin, which helps control blood sugar levels. Lack of insulin causes the blood sugar levels to rise excessively high, which can result in a number of health issues. The onset of neuropathy, or damage to the nerves, is one of the most frequent consequences of diabetes. Anywhere in the body, including the nerves that regulate sexual activity, is susceptible to this harm.
It might be challenging for a guy to get and keep an erection if the nerves that regulate sexual function are impaired. Erectile dysfunction is the term for this (ED). ED is two to three times more prevalent in men with diabetes than in those without the condition, according to the American Diabetes Association. The likelihood of a man developing ED increases with the duration of his diabetes.
Men with diabetes may face other issues with their sexual health in addition to erectile dysfunction. Men with diabetes may also experience issues with sexual feeling, decreased libido, and ejaculation. These issues may arise as a result of diabetes-related nerve damage or as a side effect of the drugs used to treat the condition.
Men with diabetes can control the disease's effects on their sexual health in a number of ways. Working together with a healthcare professional to control blood sugar levels is the first step. Controlling blood sugar levels can help prevent diabetes consequences including nerve damage.
Men with diabetes can improve their sexual health in addition to controlling blood sugar levels. This might comprise:
- Regular physical activity can assist to increase blood flow and lower the risk of ED.
- Stop smoking; it's a big risk factor for ED. Better blood flow and a decreased risk of ED can both be achieved by quitting smoking.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Diabetes and ED are both exacerbated by obesity. Weight loss can lower the risk of ED and help with blood sugar regulation.
- Using medicine: Several drugs are available to treat ED. These include phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors including vardenafil, sildenafil, and tadalafil (Levitra). These drugs function by reducing blood pressure, which facilitates easier blood flow into the penis.
- Penile Injections: These are also effective in helping with ED, they involve injecting a medication directly into the penis.
- Penile Implants: This is a surgical procedure that involves implanting a device into the penis to help a man achieve and maintain an erection.
- It's crucial to remember that these therapies might not work for everyone, and finding the best one might need some trial and error. Additionally, men with diabetes should be informed of the potential financial burden and insurance coverage issues associated with these procedures.
