How Does Diabetes Affect A Man Sexually

Did you know diabetes and erectile dysfunction (ED) often go hand in hand? 

While the two health conditions aren’t the same, the CDC reveals that diabetic males are three times more likely to have ED.

So what’s the link between diabetes and sexual dysfunction? Moreover, how does diabetes affect a man sexually?

Diabetes and erectile dysfunction

Firstly, diabetes has two types: type 1 and type 2. 

This ailment occurs when a person’s body doesn’t make any insulin, enough of it, or isn’t able to use it properly. 

The lack of insulin means blood sugar builds up in the bloodstream and isn’t used as energy. 

Diabetes symptoms and complications vary but can include ED. 

Sometimes referred to as impotence, ED transpires when an individual cannot get hard or stay hard enough for satisfactory intercourse.

Furthermore, a meta-analysis of 145 studies discovered that over 50% of diabetic men also have ED. 

Diabetes and ED may be linked for a couple of reasons 

For an erection to occur, the body’s systems need to operate correctly. In other words, healthy nerves, blood vessels, hormones, and sexual desire must work together for a firm and lasting erection. 

Yet, blood, nerve, and muscle function can be damaged as a complication of diabetes, impacting the ability to become or stay hard.

Simply put, diabetes can harm the blood vessels and nerves that promote blood flow to create erections. 

Hence, even if an individual has adequate amounts of sex hormones and the desire to have sex, they still might not be able to achieve an erection.

If you think you’re experiencing diabetes and ED, ensure you get the medical attention you need, as solutions are likely available. Not to mention, diabetes is a serious condition and requires medical attention.

How does diabetes affect a man sexually?

Symptoms of diabetes manifest in varying ways, such as fatigue, excessive thirst, and weight loss. 

But when it comes to ED, complications of diabetes can become an understandably sensitive subject. The inability to perform between the sheets may impact a person’s relationship and sense of virility. 

Diabetes and sexual dysfunction can occur in the following ways: 

1. Urologic issues

The urinary tract acts as the body’s drainage system for removing urine. Our urine contains waste, so it must leave our bodies to keep us healthy. 

Urologic problems can happen in those with diabetes because of diabetic nerve damage, such as:

• Overactive bladder
• Difficulty or inability to control urination
• UTIs (Urinary tract infections)

2. Damage to the autonomic nervous system (ANS)

The ANS regulates the constricting and widening of the body’s blood vessels. Therefore, if the nerves and blood vessels within the penis are harmed by diabetes, ED may result. 

Moreover, diabetes can damage blood vessels, slowing blood flow into the penis and making it challenging to become erect. 

3. Retrograde ejaculation

While untypical, retrograde ejaculation happens when sperm goes backward rather than forwards. 

In other words, sperm is released into the bladder instead of the urethra. Less ejaculation often results as a noticeable symptom of retrograde ejaculation.

According to Diabetes.co.uk, an online community for those with the disease, nerve damage from diabetes can lead to retrograde ejaculation. And medical attention is crucial because the health condition may cause infertility. 

Seek support

You don’t have to suffer through ED alone. We’re here to help!

Ravkoo MD offers fully remote doctor’s appointments so that you can discuss your medical concerns from the privacy of your home. 

Download the Ravkoo Health app and book your first physician consultation. Every Ravkoo doctor is vetted, qualified, and ready to assist.

Moreover, Ravkoo RX offers fast, discreet, and convenient prescription delivery to your doorstep should your appointment result in one. 

Contact emergency medical services if your condition is urgent or requires immediate care.

Treatment

Your treatment will vary depending on the specifics of your condition.

Regardless, lifestyle changes, such as following a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and sleeping properly, can support your overall well-being and your erection’s health. 

Secondly, if applicable, doctors can prescribe certain medications for ED, such as:

• Sildenafil (Viagra) 
• Tadalafil (Cialis)
• Vardenafil (Levitra)

Also, your physician may refer you to an endocrinologist or urologist to treat issues associated with decreased testosterone. 

Low testosterone is a typical result of males with diabetes or people assigned male at birth who have the condition. 

Reduced testosterone may be the culprit behind less desire for bedroom intimacy. But an appointment with an MD can help you get your sexual vigor back on track. Your doctor may prescribe testosterone gels, patches, or injections. 

Moreover, emotional issues can also be at play, affecting your sex life.

Everyone is unique, so your treatment should be, too!

Finally, diabetes and ED are complicated, and qualified medical support is crucial. Family history, symptoms, and test results all need to be examined. 

Ready to discuss your health? Contact a Ravkoo healthcare provider today!