Is Erectile Dysfunction caused by diabetes? The incidences of diabetes are growing and Diabetes Mellitus is affecting millions of people all across the world. The scientific community is largely interested in ameliorating the complications associated with diabetes through the various treatments. People are aware of complications like cardiovascular problems retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, kidney failure but the less talked about subject is the sexual complications in men and women with diabetes.
Many diabetologists underrate the sexual problems which greatly reduces the quality of life of people. But it cannot be overlooked that for most people having a great sexual performance and sharing a loving relationship with their partner is an important part of wellbeing.
This article will be helpful in understanding sexual health issues in patients having diabetes[1].There is so much to explain regarding the physiological process associated with diabetes induced sexual issues and to know about the effective treatment methods that can deal with these issues.
It is believed that 35% to 75% of men with diabetes will experience erectile dysfunction in their lifetime. Men having diabetes develop erectile dysfunctio 10 to 15 years earlier than those without diabetes. Aging compounds the effect and erectile dysfunction becomes all the more common. In men aged 50 and above, around 50% to 60% experience difficulty in achieving an erection. Above the age of 70, 95% men experience problems related to erection and suffer from erectile dysfunction.
Why Men with Diabetes Get Erectile Dysfunction?
The causes of ED[2]in men having diabetes are complex and lead to impairing of nerves, muscles and blood vessels. In order to get an erection, the blood vessels should be healthy, nerves should function properly, there should be a desire to get stimulated sexually.
Diabetes can actually damage the blood vessels and nerves that control erection. So, despite the fact that you may be having the appropriate amounts of male hormone and the desire to have sex but you may not be able to attain a hard, firm erection.
What Are the Treatments for Men Having Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction?
Diabetic men who are having problems with achieving or maintaining an erection can take medicines like sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil [3].These pills help in making the blood flow to the penis easier so that the person can get and keep an erection. If you don’t think that pills are a good option for you, you may insert a tiny suppository in the tip of the penis before having sex. You could even inject a medicine at the base or side of the penis. These also increase the blood flow helping you get an erection. But people with diabetes also have problems with their heart so these medicines may interfere with the heart medicines so it is recommended that you speak to your doctor to chart out the best course of treatment.
Other treatments that you may want to consider are vacuum erection (not constriction) devices, intracavernous injection therapy, intraurethral therapy, venous constriction devices, sex therapy, penile prostheses. Now which is the best treatment? It depends on factors like the health of the person and their ability to tolerate the treatment. You may want to see a specialist for your health concerns. You should even adopt good lifestyle choices which will improve erectile dysfunction and your health. Cut out on smoking, lose extra pounds, limit the intake of alcohol and you will see the difference.
Conclusion
Having erectile dysfunction can be really challenging. It may leave you and your partner discouraged and frustrated. So, you must take steps to deal with erectile dysfunction and bring your sex life back on track.
