tenda Health

“Sex is natural, sex is good,” George Michael famously said. Of course, we all know that sex can be mind-blowingly fantastic when the mood is right and the chemistry is present. However, the same cannot be said if you’re one of the 300+ million living with diabetes.

Diabetes is a growing concern that has been linked to a variety of sexual issues in both men and women. Diabetes includes a variety of end organ effects as well as a significant psychological impact, which may predispose diabetics to sexual issues.

In men, there is a strong link between diabetes and erectile dysfunction (ED); ED is the most well-studied sexual dysfunction, although diabetes’ sexual health implications go far beyond erectile pathology. However, Erectile dysfunction (ED) was formerly one of the most underappreciated diabetes consequences. In the past, doctors and patients were taught to believe that decreased sexual performance was a natural part of becoming older or that it was caused by mental issues. This misunderstanding, combined with men’s natural reluctance to share their sexual problems and physicians’ lack of experience and discomfort with sexual issues, resulted in the majority of patients suffering this problem not being addressed immediately. Fortunately, public awareness of ED as a serious and prevalent complication of diabetes has grown in recent years, owing to a growing understanding of male sexual function and the quickly expanding arsenal of innovative treatments for impotence

According to studies, the prevalence of ED in males with diabetes ranges between 35–75 percent, compared to 26 percent in the general population. In males with diabetes, the start of ED is 10–15 years earlier than in their sex-matched counterparts without diabetes. While the incidence of sexual issues rises with age (mostly in males, but also in women), this is primarily due to aging-related comorbid conditions. In males with diabetes, the prevalence of ED is almost three and a half times higher than in the general population. ED can also be a sign of diabetes mellitus, and it can indicate future neurologic complications ( read more at National Library of Medicine).

How does DM lead to erectile dysfunction?

Reduced blood flow to erectile tissue

Diabetes affects blood flow, which may impair blood flow to the penis or vagina. A man requires blood flow to the penis in order to acquire and maintain an erection. In women, reduced blood flow may contribute to vaginal dryness.

Erectile tissue nerve damage

According to Professors Shindel and Lue who are Research Medical Doctors in Urology at University of California, “Diabetic neuropathy may impair autonomic and somatic nerve processes essential for erections.” High glucose levels mihad harm the nerves. The nerves are concentrated at the tip of the penis and the clitoris. If those nerves are injured, it may result in diminished sexual feeling or even painful intercourse.

Diabetes reduces testosterone levels

According to new research, men with diabetes are more likely to have low serum testosterone levels. Low testosterone levels can cause a decrease in sexual desire and, in turn, erectile dysfunction, either directly or indirectly.

Diabetic associated emotional effects

Insulin pump users, both men and women, may feel self-conscious. Furthermore, the time and effort spent controlling diabetes and related illnesses can have a negative impact on mental well-being. This could lead to a lack of interest in sex or the usage of a drug that has a detrimental impact on sexual function.

Side effects of diabetic medication

Medications for high blood pressure can affect your ability to get or keep an erection. Furthermore, several antidepressants and anxiety drugs have a reputation for reducing arousal or sexual interest.

How to treat Sexual Dysfunction in diabetes mellitus

ED can be easily and effectively treated! If your sexual drive is unaffected, but you have difficulty obtaining or maintaining an erection for four to five weeks, you may have ED. Consult your doctor right away. Don’t put it off any longer—erectile dysfunction does not “simply go away!” Furthermore, ED may indicate a major, even life-threatening condition, such as congestive heart failure or kidney illness. Ignoring your ED because it is embarrassing may endanger your health.

A comprehensive physical exam and medical history, as well as specific laboratory tests, can assist your doctor in determining the cause of ED and then selecting an effective treatment. Medication, external mechanical devices, psychotherapy, and surgery are the four most prominent interventions for ED.

Start with Kegels and Aerobics

The best way to cure ED isn’t always to take a pill. There are various non-medication options for overcoming ED and recovering your sexual life. Exercises for the pelvic floor are a good place to start.

Kegel exercises can be done anywhere, at any time. If you have trouble remembering, make a note in your calendar. Aerobic exercise enhances your overall cardiovascular health, which has a direct effect on your ability to get and keep an erection.

It’s significantly more effective to improve your sexual health by addressing the underlying cause of ED. Discuss your ED with your doctor to determine which treatment options are best for you.

Medications

Oral drugs: The Big Three ED medications are Viagra (sildenafil citrate, manufactured by Pfizer, Inc.), Levitra (vardenafil HCl, manufactured by Bayer and GlaxoSmithKline), and Cialis (tadalafil, made by Eli Lilly). The three are chemically quite similar, and they have all proven to be extremely effective. These medications have been the therapy of choice for most men suffering from ED since they are effective, accessible, and relatively inexpensive.

However, in rare situations, these medicines may be inappropriate for people with heart disease. If you are thinking of taking one of these drugs and have heart disease, as many diabetics do, talk to your doctor.

Topical medications: When insufficient blood flow is the problem, vasodilators (such as nitroglycerine ointment) can be administered to the penis to increase penile blood flow and improve erections. The most common side effect of nitroglycerine ointment is headaches in the companion. To avoid this, the man should wear a condom.

Penile Injection Meds: The medicine alprostadil creates erections by relaxing specific muscles, increasing blood flow into the penis, and inhibiting outflow when injected directly into the penis at home. Although some sources claim an 80% success rate, the technique includes drawbacks such as infection, discomfort, and scars.

Counseling

The vast majority of ED visits in diabetic males are due to a medical cause, such as neuropathy or circulatory issues. However, in certain cases, the etiology of ED is psychological, such as despair, guilt, or anxiety. A comprehensive examination should let the doctor to identify whether the ED is psychological or physical in nature. If you have a psychological problem, your doctor may send you to a psychiatrist, psychologist, sex therapist, or marital counselor. Do not consider such a diagnosis to be an insult. The majority of psychologically based EDs are easily and successfully treated.

Surgery

There are two types of ED surgeries: one includes implanting a penile prosthesis, and the other involves vascular repair. In recent years, expert opinion on surgical implants has shifted, and surgery is no longer commonly suggested. There are numerous less invasive and less costly alternatives to surgery, therefore it should only be used as a last resort.

There you have it, now go conquer that Erection dysfunction and enjoy stimulatingly great sex!!