Overcoming erectile dysfunction in people with diabetes – Life Health

There are many causes of erectile dysfunction. It can be physical, psychological, or both at the same time. One of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction is diabetes.

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is the inability to get and maintain an erection long enough for intercourse. Studies show that 35-75% of men with diabetes will continue to have an increased risk erectile dysfunction. They also tend to develop erectile dysfunction about 10-15 years earlier than men without diabetes.

1. Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction

Diabetes can cause erectile dysfunction so keep it under control. Photo: Internet

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

When a man is sexually aroused, a chemical called nitric oxide is released into the bloodstream causing the arteries and muscles in the penis to relax, allowing more blood to flow into the penis. This gives men an erection.

When blood sugar is too high, less nitric oxide is produced. This could mean that there isn’t enough blood flowing into the penis to get an erection. Low levels of nitric oxide are often found in people with diabetes.

In addition, there are many other causes of erectile dysfunction such as:

– Obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol

Hormonal problems such as low testosterone

– Psychological problems including stress, anxiety and depression

Nervous system problems including damage to the spinal cord or brain

– Smoking, drinking too much alcohol and using certain drugs

Certain medications to treat high blood pressure and depression

– Inadequate nutrition, inactivity.

Pelvic trauma or surgery on the prostate, bowel, or bladder can damage the nerves that connect to the penis. Damage to this nerve can also lead to erectile dysfunction.

2. Examination and diagnosis

Your doctor will usually perform several tests to diagnose erectile dysfunction:

Blood tests to check for increased blood sugar, which can be a sign of diabetes.

Hormone tests to measure levels of testosterone and other hormones.

Nervous system tests, such as blood pressure and sweat tests, can rule out nerve damage to the heart, blood vessels, and sweat glands.

Urinalysis to check for sugar in the urine, which can indicate diabetes.

Physical exam to evaluate the genitals and nerve reflexes in the legs and penis.

– Inject medication into the penis to check the blood supply to the penis is normal.

Taking the patient’s history helps the doctor in determining the reason for the problem with erection. At the same time, answering a sexual health questionnaire is also essential in diagnosing the presence and severity of erectile dysfunction.

3. Lifestyle changes are very important

Diet is very important for people with diabetes.

Diabetic erectile dysfunction is now much better understood. Well controlled diabetes can reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that is lifelong, although both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be well controlled through medication, proper diet, and exercise. sex.

Although erectile dysfunction can become a permanent condition, men can still overcome erectile dysfunction through lifestyle changes that include getting enough sleep, not smoking, and reducing stress. Erectile dysfunction drugs are generally well tolerated and can be used for many years to help overcome any erectile dysfunction problems.

Other lifestyle changes that may be helpful include:

Have a healthy diet and exercise: A diet low in saturated fat, high in fiber, and moderate physical activity each week can improve erectile dysfunction without the need for medical attention and medication.

Weight loss: Even a little weight loss can improve erectile function and sex drive in men with diabetes. People who lose weight have increased testosterone levels and blood flow resulting in better erections.

Reduce stress: Erectile dysfunction can cause stress and tension in a relationship. Talk to your doctor even if the source of sexual dysfunction is physical. People with erectile dysfunction should try to find time to relax and get enough sleep each night.

Additional amino acids: L-arginine and L-citrulline may also help improve erectile function. These acids are known to increase the body’s production of nitric oxide, which can increase blood flow to the penis.

Men have increased testosterone levels and blood flow resulting in better erections

4. Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

Treatment for erectile dysfunction depends on the cause and treatment options. These are the same for men with diabetes and men with erectile dysfunction from other causes. Doctors will change any medications that may be contributing to erectile dysfunction.

The most common treatment is by mouth. Certain medicines called PDE-5 inhibitors used to treat erectile dysfunction cause erections by increasing blood flow to the penis, sexual stimulation to be effective and should be taken. do 30-60 minutes before sex.

Some other forms of treatment for erectile dysfunction in people with diabetes include:

Hormone therapy: Testosterone replacement therapy is recommended for men with erectile dysfunction who have low testosterone levels.

Injection therapy into the penis before intercourse has been approved for men who have not responded to oral drug therapy. The injection of this hormone increases the blood supply to the penis to produce an erection.

Vacuum pump therapy: A plastic tube connected to a pump is placed over the penis. The pump pushes air out of the tube and this causes blood to be drawn into the penis. A ring is placed at the base of the penis to maintain an erection during intercourse.

Penis Restoration: This is only considered when all other treatment options have failed because it requires major surgery. Inflatable rods are implanted in the penis to make it erect for intercourse.

Psychological support: If erectile dysfunction is caused by psychological conditions, such as anxiety or depressionThe patient should be consulted.

Eating and exercising: A balanced diet, exercise, and good stress management have been shown to be equally important in the treatment of diabetes.