Erectile dysfunction is a common sex problem in men, also known as impotence. This means a lack of adequate erection for sex or problems in maintaining an erection. This problem is very common in men who have diabetes, especially men who are suffering from type 2 diabetes. If diabetes is not controlled at the right time, there may be damage to the veins and blood vessels. Men with diabetes are three times more prone to have erectile dysfunction. The worst part is that men do not want to talk too much about erectile dysfunction nor do they tell anyone about it, so they do not know about this problem. Learn more about diabetes and erectile dysfunction in detail.
What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?
Before learning about diabetes and erectile dysfunction, let’s learn about the causes of erectile dysfunction, which depend on both physical and psychological factors.
The reasons are as follows:
Stress, anxiety, and nervousness.
Relationship problem.
Health issues.
Excess alcohol consumption.
Smoking.
Medicines.
Post-surgery.
Low levels of the male hormone testosterone.
Erectile dysfunction affects many functions of the body. But if the erection lasts overnight or occurs in the morning, the reason may be psychological.
Relationship between diabetes and erectile dysfunction:
There is no complete information about why erectile dysfunction is more common in men with diabetes. However, men who have diabetes are more likely to have erectile dysfunction if diabetes is not controlled well. Over time this problem damages the veins that control blood flow to the penis. If the glucose level in the blood remains normal then it helps to reduce the chances of getting this problem.
How diabetes can cause erectile dysfunction
Treatment of diabetes and diabetes has a great impact on the sexual system of humans. Therefore, both diabetes and erectile dysfunction can occur simultaneously.
Why diabetes can cause erectile dysfunction?
Veins:
Neuropathy or nerve damage is the most common complication in diabetes. Erection is a function of the parasympathetic nervous system. But orgasm and ejaculation are controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. Neuropathy can cause erectile dysfunction as it can affect the parasympathetic nervous system also.
Blood vessels:
Diabetes can damage blood vessels, especially the small blood vessels in the penis. Heart-related diseases can also occur due to diabetes. Eventually, this does not allow the flow of blood properly. If there is no proper blood flow to the penis, there may be a problem with erections. That is, diabetes and erectile dysfunction can spoil your sex life.
Hormone:
Diabetes is also a cause of kidney diseases. Due to which the hormones of the body also changes. These hormonal changes also affect physical relationships, which can cause erectile dysfunction.
Psychological problem:
Psychological problems can lead to reduced sex drive. But even if the sex drive is correct, there may be a problem of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction can cause changes in life, stress or problems in relationships, etc.
Medicines:
Medications are a major cause of erectile dysfunction. Common medicines given for diabetes can also cause or aggravate the problem in the meantime. But this does not mean that you stop taking these medicines, rather share your problem with your doctor. With this, they can change the dosage of your medicines, give you other medicines, or recommend any other treatment. A doctor's advice is essential for the proper treatment of diabetes and erectile dysfunction.
The treatment:
Several methods exist for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Talk to your doctor about which of these methods is best for you:
Oral medicine
Many medications can be given for erectile dysfunction including sildenafil citrate, also known as Viagra. Apart from this, tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil are also used. These medicines help in correcting the flow of blood in the penis. Which helps in erection. Ask the doctor about these medicines and get the right advice.
Other medicines
If sildenafil citrate, tadalafil, or other medicines are not a good option for you. So your doctor may recommend you to take a small suppository. Which you have to put in the tip of your penis before sex. Apart from this, other medicines can also be given to you. Those you will put under or around your penis. These medicines also increase blood flow.
Vacuum-constriction equipment
This device is also called a penis or vacuum pump. It is an empty tube, worn over the penis. It has a pump, which is used to draw blood into the penis and cause erections. There is a band under the penis that maintains the erection even after the tube is removed. This device is extremely safe.
Penile implant
If medicines or a penis pump do not work, a surgical penis implant is used. Semi-rigid or inflammatory penile implants are a safe and effective option for many men with erectile dysfunction.
Other measures
Following are the steps you can take to avoid the risk of diabetes and erectile dysfunction
Don't smoke
The use of tobacco, smoking, etc. makes blood vessels tight. This may increase the problem of erectile dysfunction. So do not smoke or consume tobacco.
Lose weight
Excess weight can also increase this problem. So do not forget to do physical activities. Exercise and Yoga can help you with this. These will increase your blood flow, reduce stress, and will also help in reducing weight. Overweight and stress are also the cause of diabetes.
Do not consume alcohol
Excess alcohol can also increase the problem of erectile dysfunction. If you consume alcohol, reduce it, or stop it altogether.
Seek medical advice
If you have diabetes and erectile dysfunction, do not hide this problem. Rather, talk to your doctor about this. The doctor can tell you how to control your diabetes and can also recommend the right medicine for this. Also, if you have any other health problems with diabetes and erectile dysfunction, tell them to the doctor. Because some health problems can make the problem of erectile dysfunction worse.
Get counseling
Stress or depression increases both diabetes and erectile dysfunction. Your relationship with your partner will also deteriorate due to erectile dysfunction. Therefore, talk openly with your partner. Also, consult a psychologist or counselor.
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