Understanding Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetic Men
Erectile dysfunction is one of the main sexual problems men with diabetes face. Damage to the vascular system can reduce blood flow, which may impact the ability to achieve and sustain an erection. If blood vessels aren't functioning properly or if an artery is blocked, not enough blood will travel to the penis, making it difficult to get an erection. Diabetes can affect blood reaching the penis, and it can also narrow the penis's blood vessels, reducing the amount of blood required for an erection.
The Role of Vascular System and Blood Flow
The vascular system plays a crucial role in sexual function. Diabetes impacts blood flow and can injure the nerves and blood vessels, especially those in the penis. A slower blood flow from a damaged autonomic nervous system can present significant problems for sexual performance. If blood vessels aren't functioning properly or an artery is blocked, it can reduce the amount of blood flowing to the penis, leading to erectile dysfunction.
The Connection Between Diabetes and Lower Testosterone Levels in Men
Diabetes can cause low testosterone levels, leading to a lower sex drive. Other problems sometimes caused by diabetes, such as high blood sugar, can damage nerves and blood vessels needed for good sexual function. Lower testosterone levels have been linked to decreased sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction, and erectile dysfunction, particularly in older men with type 2 diabetes.
The Effect of Diabetes on Sexual Function and Comfort
Having diabetes doesn't mean you will certainly have a problem with sexual function. However, both men and women with diabetes are more likely to experience sexual problems than people without diabetes. In particular, diabetes can raise a man's risk for other sexual health issues. For example, high blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels needed for good sexual function.
Retrograde Ejaculation: An Under-discussed Sexual Complication in Diabetic Men
Diabetes can also lead to ejaculatory dysfunctions. These encompass several disorders related to diabetes and its complications, such as premature ejaculation (PE), delayed ejaculation (DE), anejaculation (AE), retrograde ejaculation (RE), ejaculatory pain, anesthetic ejaculation, decreased ejaculate volume, and decreased force of ejaculation. Up to 40% of men with diabetes may complain of ejaculatory dysfunction.
The Importance of Blood Sugar and Fats Control to Prevent Sexual Complications
High blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels that are crucial for good sexual function. It is important to maintain control over blood sugar and fats to prevent such complications.
Preventing Nerve and Blood Vessel Damage: The Key to Mitigating Sexual Complications
Men with diabetes can face issues with sperm that make it harder to conceive. Sperm could be slow or not move well, or there could be problems with ejaculation. To prevent these problems, it's essential to manage diabetes and prevent nerve and blood vessel damage.
Medications for Diabetic Men with Erectile Dysfunction
Men with diabetes having trouble with achieving and/or maintaining an erection can take oral medications.
Examples include avanafil (Stendra), sildenafil (Revatio, Viagra), tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn).
These medicines can help manage erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes.