Erectile Dysfunction & Diabetes! Are They Connected?
Erectile Dysfunction
Diabetes and erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction, often known as impotence, is the inability to obtain and sustain an erection long enough to engage in sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical, psychological, or both. Diabetes is one of the most frequent causes of ED.
Diabetes and erectile dysfunction:
Diabetes damages the blood supply to the penis and the nerves which control erections, which can lead to ED. A molecule termed nitric oxide is generated into a man's bloodstream when he feels sexually aroused. The arteries and muscles in the penis relax as a result of the nitric oxide, allowing more blood to flow into the penis. The man now has an erection. Blood sugar swings are a problem for men with diabetes, especially if the condition isn't well managed. When the blood sugar levels rise too high, they create less nitric oxide. This could indicate that not enough blood is moving into the penis to achieve or maintain an erection. Those with low nitric oxide levels are frequently encountered.
Test and diagnosis:
To diagnose ED, a clinician may do one or more of the following tests:
- Blood tests to look for signs of diabetes, such as a high blood sugar level.
- Hormone tests to determine testosterone as well as other hormone levels.
- Nervous system testing, such as blood pressure and perspiration tests, to rule out heart, blood vessel, and sweat gland nerve damage.
- Urinalysis to check for sugar in the urine, which could mean diabetes.
- A physical examination of the genitals and leg and penis nerve reflexes.
- Patient history to discover why and under what conditions someone is having erection problems.
- A sexual health (SHIM) assessment can be used to determine whether or not an individual has ED.
Lifestyle tips for diabetes problem:
Diabetes-related erectile dysfunction is now much better understood. Diabetes control can help to lower the risk of ED.
Other preventive actions, including quitting smoking and limiting alcohol use, can also reduce the risk of ED.
Other possible lifestyle changes include:
- Eating a nutritious diet and exercising: Studies show that men who switched to a low-saturated-fat, high-fiber diet and engaged in moderate physical activity once a week were able to improve their ED without the need of prescription medicines.
- Weight loss: Some studies demonstrate that even a minor weight loss can help men with diabetes enhance their erectile function and sexual desire. Higher testosterone levels and blood flow resulted in greater erections in those who reduced weight.
- Stress reduction: ED can lead to relationship stress and anxiety. Even if the cause of sexual dysfunction is physical, counselling might be beneficial. People with ED must make an effort to relax and sleep sufficiently each night.
Supplementing with the amino acids l-arginine and l-citrulline, according to a new study, may also assist to improve erectile performance. These acids have been shown to boost nitric oxide production in the body, which can improve blood flow to the penis. Low amounts of nitric oxide are common in diabetic men, as previously noted.
Treatments
Treatment for ED is dependent on the cause, and there are several good choices. Men with diabetes and men with ED from other reasons experience the same symptoms. Any prescription drugs that could contribute to ED can be switched by doctors.
Oral pills are the most typical treatment. These have been demonstrated to restore sexual function in many men with diabetes. PDE-5 inhibitors are medicines which are used to treat ED.
The four most frequently prescribed are as follows:
These medications work by boosting blood flow to the penis, causing an erection. To be successful, they require sexual stimulation. They should be consumed 30-60 minutes prior to sexual activity.
There are various different options for ED treatment. Among them are:
- Hormone therapy: For men with ED who have low testosterone levels, testosterone replacement therapy is suggested.
- Penile injectable therapy: For men who do not react to oral medication therapy, injections of alprostadil (Caverject) straight into the penis during intercourse have been approved. This hormone injection causes an erection by increasing blood flow to the penis.
- Vacuum pump therapy: The penis is covered with a plastic tube attached to a pump. The pump removes the air from the tube, causing blood to flow into the penis. To keep the erection during intercourse, a ring is inserted on the base of the penis.
- Penile prosthesis: This is only explored after all other alternatives have failed because it needs extensive surgery. To make the penis erect for intercourse, an inflatable rod is implanted.
- Psychological support: If the patient's erectile dysfunction is caused by psychological issues such as anxiety or depression, counseling may be beneficial.
A healthy diet, exercise, and stress management have all been proved to be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes.
Take Away
If you're having difficulties getting or keeping an erection, consult your doctor rather than trying to figure it out on your own. Your doctor can assist you in determining the source of your ED and diabetes and provide treatment that addresses the underlying issue. For the most part, ED treatments are highly effective.
