How Diabetic Issues Are Associated With Sex Problems

One of life’s important expectations is a healthy sexual relationship and the pleasures derived from it. However, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause a lot of complications even affecting sexual performances, besides creating havoc in other spheres of life.

Diabetes can lead to some kind of sexual problems or even loss of sexual desire in up to 50% of men and 25% of women. This is because of the damage that is caused to the blood vessels and nerves.

Problems Caused By Diabetes:

In Men

Erectile Dysfunction – Having diabetes for a long time can affect your nervous system. This can lead to Erectile Dysfunction (ED) i.e., inability to have or sustain erection. Men having diabetes are 3-4 times more likely to have erectile dysfunction than men who do not have diabetes. Some men can discover diabetes only when they go for a treatment of ED.

Treatment options for ED caused by nerve damage, also called neuropathy, widely range from oral pills, vacuum pump, shots directly into the penis, to surgery. Surgery to repair arteries or for implanting a device to aid erection comes into concern when everything else fails. Psychological counseling along with all these will also help you to reduce anxiety and stress for dealing with both ED and diabetes.

Retrograde Ejaculation – Retrograde Ejaculation is a condition where some or all of a man’s semen goes to the bladder instead of coming out from the penis during ejaculation. This condition occurs when internal muscles, called sphincters does not work normally. Diabetes causes weakening of the sphincter muscles thus leading to this condition.

However, it is not harmful and only needs treatment to improve your situation. Controlling your blood glucose levels can help, although, you might need to take the help of assisted reproductive technologies.

In Women

Vaginitis – Women suffering from diabetes may experience vaginitis, an inflammation of the vaginal orifice. This can be a recurrent condition if diabetes is not under control. The most common condition is Bacterial Vaginitis which occurs due to yeast infection and thrush. This makes sexual acts very uncomfortable and painful- ultimately leading to loss of libido.

Cystitis – A recurrent infection in the bladder and urethral tract can also be very common in women with diabetes.

Decreased Or No Sexual Response – Women with diabetes may also have decreased or no sexual response which includes low or no sensation in the genital area, a constant or occasional inability to reach orgasm, or even inability to be or remain aroused.

•    Decreased vaginal lubrication

•    Low sexual desire

People having diabetes can reduce their sexual problems by controlling their blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels and keep it within the normal range. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and by quitting smoking. Diet can also contribute a lot in controlling your diabetes. Lastly, seek for a medical or psychological support whenever you see any chance of developing the problem.

So, have your diabetes checked and live a happy and healthier life, enjoying sexual activities to the hilt.