Diabetes, especially if it is diabetes with poor glycemic control maintained for years, can lead to vascular and nervous disorders that, if they affect the vessels and nerves of the genital area, can lead to problems in the sexual life of some men.

This type of situations or problems, globally, are called "male sexual dysfunctions", and they include alterations of erection, ejaculation, orgasm, sensitivity and even sexual desire.

But it is also necessary to bear in mind that, on many occasions, diabetes, and above all its diagnosis, can lead to a situation of anguish, insecurity, undervaluation and fear of failure, which, by itself, is already capable of producing a sexual dysfunction, but which, when associated with physical factors, considerably increase all these problems.

However, not all sexual dysfunctions that appear in a diabetic should be attributed exclusively to diabetes, since there are many other causes that can lead to sexual dysfunctions that have nothing to do with diabetes, and may also appear in diabetic men, as in any other, adding those risk factors to those of diabetes itself.

Erectile dysfunction or "impotence"

The most frequent sexual dysfunction in men with diabetes is erectile dysfunction or "impotence".

It consists of the permanent or repeated (not sporadic) difficulty or impossibility of achieving and maintaining an erection that allows satisfactory sexual relations.

It is a situation that affects, to a greater or lesser degree, approximately 50% of men between 40 and 70 years, regardless of whether they are diabetic or not.

Why is it produced?

For the erection to occur, the penis has the so-called corpora cavernosa, spongy structures located above the urethra along the entire penis. When the sexual stimulation occurs, the muscles of the corpora cavernosa relax and allow the blood to enter them, filling them and causing the penis to expand and increase in size, compressing the veins, which prevents the blood Get out, producing an erection.

Impotence can be caused by alterations in any of the steps that lead to erection:
  •     Alteration in the nerves and sensitivity of the penis.
  •     Blockage of the arteries, which does not allow the arrival of sufficient blood flow.
  •     Inability to retain and store blood.

Among the causes that can cause any of these alterations are, in a generic way: diseases (diabetes, kidney diseases, hypertension, chronic alcoholism, vascular diseases, prostate surgery, ...); the use of certain medications (antidepressants, tranquilizers, diet pills, antihistamines, ...); smoking, since it affects the blood circulation; excessive consumption of alcohol and the use of drugs; and hormonal disorders.

In another order of causes, we find psychological factors, which cause 10-20% of cases of impotence, and among which stress, anxiety, feelings of guilt, depression, low self-esteem and fear of failure stand out. All these feelings and fears can be increased in diabetic man by the fear of suffering from hypoglycemia.

What to do?

First of all, it is necessary to insist that what is not necessary to do is to close oneself up in oneself, silence it and hide it.

It is necessary, in the first place, to talk with the couple and not let themselves be overcome by the situation, not letting themselves be overwhelmed by the idea that they are "useless" and that "they are useless". Communication with a partner and a positive attitude can make a big difference in sex life.

You should also talk to the doctor, he or she can refer you to a specialist or determine what is the most appropriate treatment to solve the problem, since there is currently a wide variety of medical treatment options, which will depend on the cause of the impotence and of the existing injury at that time.

The therapeutic alternatives consist of one or more of the following options:
  •     Psychotherapy or behavioral therapy.
  •     Hormonal treatment that facilitates the erection.
  •     Prostaglandin injections
  •     Vacuum aspiration device.
  •     Surgery to rebuild damaged arteries.
  •     Penile implants (inflatable, malleable, ...)

Other sexual dysfunctions

Erectile dysfunction or impotence, being the most frequent, is not the only male sexual dysfunction. Men, with or without diabetes, may have other sexual dysfunctions, such as:
  • Premature ejaculation, quickly reaching excitement and causing short relationships in time and unsatisfactory for the couple. At present, there are various medical treatments for this problem.
  • Delayed ejaculation, with a delay in achieving orgasm and unsatisfactory relationships.
  • Anorgasmia or absence of pleasure during orgasm. Difficulty reaching orgasm. It can happen in the presence of an advanced vegetative neuropathy, although it is much more frequent that it is due to obsessive and distressing problems.
  • Dyspareunia or painful intercourse. Usually due to a refusal to maintain relationships, caused by feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem, or also by a profound alteration in the sensitivity of the nervous system.

Conclusions

It is important to maintain the best possible control of diabetes as prevention of sexual dysfunctions, and not fall into the error of hiding your head thinking, "I have no problems." High blood glucose levels can damage nerves and blood vessels and can affect and alter the person's sexual activity.

The existence or appearance of some sexual dysfunction can have negative psychological consequences, which aggravate the problem even more.

Sexual dysfunctions are situations that occur relatively frequently. In the presence of any type of sexual dysfunction, it is necessary to discuss the issue openly with the couple and consult with the doctor. He is the most qualified to indicate the most appropriate treatment.


And it is very important to remember that, with the treatments that exist today, you can solve any problem of sexual dysfunction, allowing you to enjoy a more pleasant sexual life, especially if detected early you can try clinical treatment