Don't Let Diabetes Dictate Your Sex Life – Learn How to Manage and Overcome ED
If you’re someone living with diabetes, you probably already know that you face an increased risk for several health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and diabetes-related nerve damage.
But as a male, there’s another issue that you might face, and its risk also increases in those with diabetes, and that’s erectile dysfunction, commonly referred to as ED.
While erectile dysfunction is more common in men who are living with diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes, it is certainly not automatic, especially for those who can keep their blood sugar predominantly within the target range as dictated by their endocrinologist or diabetes physician.
How Does Diabetes Contribute To ED?
As with most diabetes-related complications, the increased risk for a male to experience erectile dysfunction is directly related to blood sugar. More specifically, prolonged periods of high blood sugar.
When diabetes isn’t properly controlled, it can lead to more frequent bouts of elevated blood sugar. These highs also tend to last longer when a person has difficulty managing their diabetes.
High blood sugar over a long period can damage the body’s nerves and blood vessels, leading to circulation and sensation issues – both of which can make it difficult for a male to get and maintain an erection that is firm enough to engage in sex.
Erectile dysfunction is more common in men as they age, but men living with diabetes tend to experience ED earlier in life. Additionally, health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure, all of which are related to Type 2 diabetes, can also impact sexual function in men and contribute to instances of ED.
While conversations about ED have thankfully become far more open and less stigmatized, it can still be a difficult and sometimes embarrassing subject for many men and couples. But there’s no getting around it: if ED is impacting your sex life, ignoring it is not the answer. You need to address the problem, and there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of ED and treat it if it does become an issue.
Minimizing Risk and Taking Control of ED
The thing about erectile dysfunction is that once it becomes a problem, it is often exacerbated by feelings of anxiety that will occur the next time and maybe every time you try to have sex. Even if ED is rooted in physical causes, the mind can make matters worse, which is why the sooner you address the problem, the better. So, what can you do?
- Have an honest discussion with your doctor.
There are a lot of reasons a man can experience ED, and not all of them are related to diabetes – low testosterone, depression, high blood pressure, some medications to treat depression, and high blood pressure, to name a few. Your doctor understands your health profile and may be able to find solutions or prescribe medications known to remedy ED, such as Viagra® and Cialis®.
- Make sure your diabetes is under control.
If your diabetes and blood sugar are not adequately managed, ED is not the only thing you have to worry about. High blood sugar can also lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other serious complications. If you’re experiencing frequent or prolonged spikes in blood sugar, talk to your healthcare team about ways to better manage your diabetes. Perhaps you require medication or lifestyle adjustments, but if your blood sugar is not being properly managed, it can lead to ED and other health consequences.
- Seek counseling.
As we pointed out, the anxiety and shame that often accompanies erectile dysfunction can make the problem worse. ED can play games with a man’s mind, impact the sex life you share with a partner, and even damage relationships. Talking to a therapist or psychologist can often alleviate some of this stress and help you work through the problem.
- Live healthier
Living a healthy life can also contribute to a healthy sex life. If you’re overweight, it can worsen erectile dysfunction. If you smoke, it can exacerbate the problem. If you’re sedentary, it can weaken blood flow and contribute to ED. If you drink too much alcohol, it can make matters worse. Essentially, if you’re not making smart lifestyle choices, more often than not, you’re setting yourself up for erectile problems.
- Ask your doctor about male enhancement supplements.
Remember! Never add anything new to your diabetes treatment plan without discussing it with your diabetes physician. However, there are natural supplements on the market today that have been shown to improve libido and enhance male performance. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to try these products. If you get the all-clear, they just might be worth exploring.
Takeaways
The risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction is more significant for men who are living with Type 2 diabetes than it is for men who are not. The best thing you can do to minimize your risk is to keep your blood sugar under control and make healthy lifestyle choices. If you do experience ED and the problem persists, don’t ignore it. Speak openly and honestly with your physician about ways you might be able to treat the situation and enjoy a happy, healthy sex life.
Do you have any good diabetes insights or tips? We’d love to hear about them, so please share them with our readers below.
We hope you found this post informative and insightful. At Diabetic Warehouse, we’re committed to helping those with diabetes manage their blood sugar by offering a complete selection of testing and treatment supplies at prices up to 65% less than those found at most pharmacies and suppliers.
