Erectile dysfunction is the inability of a man to develop and maintain erection long enough to have successful penetration. This sexual problem is neither momentary nor passing as it occurs more than 75% of the time during sexual intercourse. Such a condition is a common complication among men with diabetes. If left untreated, it could upset one’s sexual relationship and consequently, his and his partner’s quality of life.
Although erectile dysfunction develops in men without diabetes, it has distinguishing features for those who have the disease. For one, it occurs more often to men with diabetes. As many as 80 percent of men, with diabetes develop erectile dysfunction in contrast to only 22 to 25 percent without diabetes. Secondly, it occurs earlier. Usually, men develop erectile dysfunction at an average age of 65. For men with diabetes it occurs 10 to 15 years earlier. Even diabetic patients in their 30’s and younger have also experienced erectile dysfunction.
For those who have diabetes, the main risk factors for developing erectile dysfunction are:
- Nerve damage
- Blood vessel (vascular) damage
- Poor blood sugar control
Diabetes can cause neuropathy or nerve damages throughout the body including the penis. When nerves are damaged, messages among cells cannot be relayed properly. During intercourse, even when a man is emotionally stimulated, if the nerves fail to transmit the proper message to the penis, it will not respond.
Atherosclerosis or hardening of arteries may also accompany diabetes. When arteries in the penile or pelvic area develop atherosclerosis, sexual function may be disrupted. For diabetics, when blood sugar is not properly controlled, nitric oxide production is inhibited. When nitric oxide levels drop, blood pressure in the corpora cavernosa is also reduced thereby preventing blood to rise and close off penile veins. As a result, blood flows out of the penis instead of remaining trapped to sustain successful erection.
If you have diabetes and are also experiencing erectile dysfunction, don’t despair. Steps can be taken to prevent erectile dysfunction from developing or worsening.
- Have a talk with your doctor. Talking about the problem even before it occurs can prevent or delay erectile dysfunction.
- Control your blood sugar. When blood sugar remains at a normal level, complications leading to erectile dysfunction can be prevented.
- You have to avoid smoking. Aside from decreasing nitric oxide levels, smoking causes blood vessels to narrow and could lead to blockages causing erectile dysfunction.
- Avoid excessive alcohol. Overindulgence in alcohol causes blood vessel damage causing erectile dysfunction. Doctors suggest that the acceptable amount of alcohol is no more than two alcoholic drinks for men and no more than one for women.
- See an urologist. Urologists have the training and special expertise in sexual health. Some of them actually specialize in erectile dysfunction. They can identify your condition, determine its primary cause, and identify effective treatments.
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