Erectile dysfunction, or the inability to obtain or maintain a hard-adequate erection for intercourse, is frequent in diabetic men, particularly those with type 2 diabetes. It can result from nerve and blood vessel damage induced by inadequate long-term blood sugar control.
Erectile dysfunction has also been linked to other diseases associated with diabetes in males, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Diabetes may cause erectile dysfunction earlier in males than in men who do not have the disease. The inability to maintain an erection may even precede the diabetes diagnosis.
Having erectile dysfunction can be quite difficult. It might leave both you and your spouse disappointed and dejected. Take steps to deal with erectile dysfunction – and reclaim your sexual life.
Why Do Diabetic Men Have Erectile Dysfunction?
The causes of erectile dysfunction in diabetic males are complicated, involving nerve, blood vessel, and muscle function deficits.
Men require healthy blood vessels, nerves, male hormones, and a desire to be sexually stimulated to obtain an erection. Diabetes has the potential to harm the blood vessels and neurons that control erections. As a result, even if you have normal levels of male hormones and the desire to have sex, you may be unable to achieve a firm erection.
Diabetes raises the likelihood of sexual dysfunction
There are various reasons why people with diabetes have higher sexual dysfunction than the general population.
Health issues
Among the outcomes of diabetes are obesity, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and depression. In the long run, obesity might lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). Sleep apnea can induce ED in men and increase the likelihood of sexual issues in women. Depression and anxiety can also have a detrimental impact on libido and lead to the usage of medications that impair sexual interest or function.
Concerns about emotional health
Insulin pump users, both men, and women can have self-awareness. Furthermore, the time and energy spent controlling diabetes and related illnesses can hurt emotional health. This may result in a lack of interest in sex or the use of a medicine that impairs sexual function.
Changes in hormones
Changes in testosterone or estrogen levels (as a result of diabetes, menopause, or co-occurring conditions) can have an impact on libido, lubrication, and the capacity to become sexually aroused.
Are There Treatments for Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction in Men?
Medicines
Men with diabetes who are having difficulty obtaining and/or keeping an erection can use oral drugs such as Avanafil (Stendra), sildenafil (Revatio, Viagra), Tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis), or Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn). However, because persons with diabetes are more likely to develop heart problems, these medications may not be appropriate and may create harmful interactions with some cardiac treatments. Consult your doctor to identify the best course of action.
Other medicines
If medications aren't an option, your doctor may suggest a tiny suppository that you place into the tip of your penis before sex. Another option is to inject medication into the base or side of your penis. These treatments, like oral pharmaceuticals, improve blood flow, which aids in obtaining and maintaining an erection.
Vacuum-squeezing devices
This gadget, sometimes known as a penis pump or a vacuum pump, is a hollow tube that is placed over your penis. It employs a pump to suck blood into your penis to produce an erection.
Implants for the sperm
When drugs or a penile pump are ineffective, a surgical penis implant may be a possibility. For many men suffering from erectile dysfunction, semi-rigid or inflatable penile implants are a safe and effective choice.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/in-depth/erectile-dysfunction/art-20043927
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-link-between-diabetes-and-sexual-dysfunction/