Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) and Diabetes

Divya Tripathi

, Health A2Z

Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) and Diabetes are connected with each other. Around 35% to 75% of men with diabetes will experience erectile dysfunction to some extent, which is also known as ED or impotence during their lifetime.

 

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Men dealing with diabetes tend to develop ED (erectile dysfunction) 10 to 15 years earlier than men who are not diabetic. Diabetic men, at above the age of 50 are a likelihood of having difficulty with an erection in around 50% to 60%. Above age 70, there is around a 95% likelihood of having some difficulty with ED.

 

 

Why Do Men With Diabetes Have Erectile Dysfunction?

 

 

The causes of Erectile Dysfunction in men with diabetes are complicated and involve impairments in a blood vessel, nerve, and muscle function.

 

 

Men need healthy blood vessels, nerves, male hormones, and a desire to be sexually stimulated to get an erection. Diabetes can damage your blood vessels and nerves which control erection. Therefore, If you have normal amounts of male hormones and a desire to have sex, but still you may not be able to achieve a firm erection.

 

 

 

Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction

 

Diabetes can cause erectile dysfunction because it can affect the blood supply to the penis and the nerves that control an erection.

 

 

  • Unmanaged diabetes can lead to ED (erectile dysfunction) due to its effects on the bloodstream.

 

 

  • When a man becomes sexually triggered, a chemical named nitric oxide is released into his bloodstream. This nitric oxide tells the muscles in the penis to relax, which needs more blood to flow into the penis. it gives a man an erection.

 

 

  • Diabetic men struggle with blood sugar level, especially if their sugar levels are managed poorly.

 

 

  • When the blood sugar levels are too high, then it produces less nitric oxide. It can mean that there is less blood flowing into the penis to get or keep an erection. Low levels of chemicals are often found in those with diabetes.

 

 

 

What are the other Causes of Erectile Dysfunction?

 

 

 

  • Hormonal problems like low testosterone

 

  • Psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression

 

  • Nervous system problems like damage to spinal cord or brain

 

  • Smoking or drinking too much alcohol and using some illegal drugs

 

  • Medications like high blood pressure and depression

 

  • Pelvic injury or surgery on the prostate

 

 

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Treatment for Men With Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes:

 

 

Men with diabetes having problem with achieving an erection can take oral medications like sildenafil (Revatio, Viagra), tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis), avanafil (Stendra), or vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn).

 

 

People dealing with diabetes also tend to have problems in their heart, these medications may not be accurate and could cause dangerous interactions with some heart medicines. consult your doctor to determine the best treatment.

 

 

Other treatments for men with diabetes might want to consider include vacuum erection (not constriction) devices, intracavernous injection therapy, venous constriction devices, intraurethral therapy, penile prostheses (inflatable and malleable), and sex therapy.

 

 

So which treatment is best for you, it depends on many elements, including a man’s health and the ability to tolerate the treatment.

 

 

 

Talk to an expert:

 

 

Many men are opposed to discussing erectile dysfunction with their doctors. But don’t feel embarrassment keep you from getting help. A small conversation can make a big change. Here’s what you need to do:

 

 

Tell your doctor what’s going on with you. Your doctor will consider the causes of your erectile dysfunction which and can give you information about correct medicine and other erectile dysfunction treatments. Find out your best one.

 

 

Ask if there’s anything you can do to control your diabetes. Controlled level of your blood sugar can help prevent nerve and blood vessel damage which can lead to erectile dysfunction. You’ll also feel good and better to improve your quality of life. Ask your doctor to take the right steps to control your diabetes.

 

 

Ask about other health-related problems. It’s common for men dealing with diabetes to have other chronic conditions which can cause or worsen ED. Work with your doctor to make sure that you’re addressing any other health problems.

 

 

Conclusion:

 

 

Diabetes is a health condition which can lead to many health-related. Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction are also can connected to each other. It can cause Erectile Dysfunction (impotence) if unmanaged. So, don’t hesitate and consult your doctor if you feel any discomfort.

 

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