Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes

Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes - Erectile dysfunction is a common complication of diabetes. It is estimated that between 30-80% of diabetic men will experience some degree of erectile dysfunction throughout their lifetime. Erectile dysfunction also seems to occur approximately 10 to 15 years earlier in men with diabetes. The fact that you have diabetes doesn’t mean that you have to lead a frustrating sexual life, though. You can reduce the risk of developing diabetic erectile dysfunction, treat it effectively and keep it from getting worse, enabling you to live a happy and satisfying sexual life for many years to come.

What is erectile dysfunction?  

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve and sustain an erection effectively enough to perform sexual intercourse, also known as impotence. Men that suffer from impotence are not able to achieve a rigid enough erection about 75 percent of the time when attempting intercourse. Erectile dysfunction can be caused by many other factors other than diabetes, both physical and psychological. Depression, stress, heart or liver disease and certain medications can also cause impotence. Erectile dysfunction and diabetes have strong ties, though.

How does diabetes cause erectile dysfunction?  

Diabetes impotence is caused by three main factors:  nerve damage (neuropathy), vascular damage, and bad blood sugar control. In order to achieve an erection, men need healthy blood vessels and nervous system, and diabetes can compromise both.

In normal function, when the man becomes sexually aroused, the body sends chemical messages to the penis, which tell the muscles in the erectile tissue of the penis to relax. When this occurs, the veins and central artery widen and allow blood to rush in. The corpora cavernosa are two spongy cylindrical structures that run along the length of the penis, which fill with blood during a normal erection. The corpora cavernosa presses against the veins and do not allow the blood to exit the penis. When sexual stimulation ends, the pressure decreases and blood rushes out of the penis, bringing it back to its normal, flaccid state.

When diabetes causes nerve damage, the body might not be able to communicate to the penis that you are aroused, thus not being able to begin the process of erection. When vascular damage occurs, the veins and arteries become narrowed or hardened, making it difficult or impossible for blood to properly flow in to the penis and become erect.

What are the treatments for erectile dysfunction?  

The main treatment for erectile dysfunction is in the form of oral medicines like Viagra, Cialis or Levitra.  Because men that suffer from diabetes also tend to have heart related problems, it is important to consult with a health care professional before starting to take any of these medicines on a regular basis.

Another form of treatment involves a vacuum pump that is placed over the penis. The vacuum that develops causes the penis to become erect. Once this happens, a ring is placed at the base of the penis which maintains the erection. Once intercourse is over, the ring is removed and the penis returns to its normal state.

You can also take certain steps to prevent diabetic impotence like controlling your blood sugar, avoiding smoking and reducing your alcohol intake. These steps will help you maintain a healthy sexual life.