Diabetes affects sexual health, how to make “sex” sustainable? -Life health

Diabetes is prone to complications and can affect every aspect of life, including sexual health.

With chronic medical conditions, sexual intercourse can be severely affected. However, how to maintain a healthy sex life is important in ensuring quality of life for everyone, including those with health problems.

People with type 2 diabetes are no different because type 2 diabetes can cause sexual complications for both sexes.

Sexual activity and the giving and receiving of sexual pleasure are part of a normal and healthy life.

1. Sexual health problems affect both men and women

A common sexual health problem among people with type 2 diabetes is decreased sex drive or loss of sex drive. This can be frustrating and stressful for many people, especially those who had a strong sex drive and a satisfying sex life before being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Causes of low sex drive associated with type 2 diabetes include side effects of high blood pressure medications or depressionlack of energy, depression, hormonal changes, stress, anxiety and relationship problems all around.

1.1 Diabetic neuropathy causes sexual problems

Sick erectile dysfunction It is one of the many neurological diseases that cause sexual problems.

Diabetic neuropathy is a type of diabetes-related nerve damage that can cause sexual problems. Numbness, pain, or lack of sensation may also occur in the genitals. This can lead to erectile dysfunction.

Neuropathy can also inhibit orgasm or make it difficult to perceive sexual arousal. These side effects can make sex painful or uninteresting.

1.2 Relationships affect sexual health

Communication between couples about any sexual issues is important. A lack of communication can damage the sexual aspect and affect the bond and intimacy of a relationship. Sometimes it seems easier to avoid talking about your partner’s health than to seek solutions to improve sexual health.

2. Sexual health problems for men with diabetes

The most widely reported sexual health problem faced by men with diabetes is erectile dysfunction. Some cases of diabetes are often first diagnosed when a man seeks treatment for erectile dysfunction.

It is when a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection until ejaculation possibly due to damage to nerves, muscles or blood vessel structures. The side effects of some medications can alter testosterone levels, also causing erectile dysfunction. Other conditions that accompany diabetes can also contribute to erectile dysfunction such as obesity, high blood pressure, depression, stress and anxiety, inactivity or lack of exercise.

Retrograde ejaculation is another sexual health problem men can experience as a complication of type 2 diabetes. It occurs when semen is ejaculated into the bladder instead of out of the penis. . It is caused by the patient’s internal sphincter not working properly. These muscles are responsible for opening and closing the passageways in the body. Abnormally high glucose levels can lead to nerve damage to the sphincter muscles, causing retrograde ejaculation.

3. Sexual health problems for women with diabetes

Women with diabetes have increased rates of vaginitis and infections that affect their sex lives.

For women, the most common sexual health problem that accompanies type 2 diabetes is vaginal dryness. This can be the result of hormonal changes or reduced blood flow to the genitals.

Women with diabetes have an increased rate of vaginitis and infections. Both of these things can make sex painful. Nerve damage in the bladder can also cause urinary incontinence during sex.

Women with diabetes are also more likely to have frequent urinary tract infections. This can also make sex painful and uncomfortable.

4. Try to maintain an active sex life

Sexual problems that occur with type 2 diabetes can be frustrating and anxiety-provoking. Some people give up on sexual expression instead of finding ways to cope or adjust.

However, it is correct that the patient should try to maintain an active sex life by making lifestyle changes, complying with treatment and openly sharing with their partner.

4.1 Choose the best time to have sex

If low energy and fatigue are a hindrance, try having sex at a different time of day when your energy is at its highest. Nighttime may not always be the right time after a long day, coupled with fatigue plus diabetes. Try having sex in the morning or afternoon.

4.2 Use lubricants to overcome vaginal dryness

Use lubricants to deal with vaginal dryness. Water-based lubricants are best. During sex, if necessary, don’t be afraid to stop for a bit to add more lubricant.

4.3 Improving libido through certain therapies

It is possible to improve a sex life caused by diabetes with hormone replacement therapy.

Hormone replacement therapy can help both men and women with issues such as decreased sex drive, vaginal dryness, and erectile dysfunction. Ask your doctor about hormone replacement therapies such as pills, creams, and injections, and how to stay healthy enough to have sex.

If you are taking medications that increase insulin levels in your body, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can also occur with sex. Consider checking your blood sugar before engaging in sexual activity.

4.4 Exercise regularly

Maintain good overall health for a healthy sex life. People with diabetes should maintain proper blood sugar levels. Sex is exercise in the sense that it uses the body’s energy, so be aware of your blood sugar levels.

What’s good for your heart affects your genitals well. Sexual arousal, vaginal lubrication, and erection are all related to blood flow. Engage in a lifestyle that promotes good heart health and proper blood circulation. This includes engaging in regular exercise. Exercise can also have the added benefit of improving your energy levels, mood, and body image.

5. Don’t let urinary incontinence be a barrier

Many people with type 2 diabetes experience urinary incontinence. If you feel uncomfortable leaking urine, talk about them with your partner to work out a solution.

Discuss sexual health issues with your doctor: Sexual dysfunction can be a sign of disease progression or ineffective treatment.

Don’t be afraid to discuss sexual side effects of drugs: Ask if there are different medications that don’t have the same side effects, like erectile dysfunction drugs.

6. Be sexually intimate with your partner

Having a healthy and active sex life is important for quality of life. Type 2 diabetes can make sexual activity more difficult, but it doesn’t mean giving up sex altogether. Pay attention to the couple’s relationship and find other ways to express intimacy when the desire is not at its peak, perhaps expressing intimacy that does not involve intercourse such as massage, cuddling, etc.

Spending time together can renew or rekindle a relationship by going on a date night to talk about sexual problems caused by diabetes. Talk to your partner about your feelings and possible sexual problems.

When diabetes treatment is successful, sexual problems will be resolved. Take the initiative to talk to your husband/wife/partner and your doctor about the issues you need to maintain a healthy sex life.