Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction How to Take Control
Erectile Dysfunction can be caused by various factors, which can be psychological or physical. One of the leading causes of ED is diabetes. Also referred to as Impotence, ED is a condition where a man cannot maintain an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse with their partner. Research shows that 35 to 75% of men with diabetes can develop ED and tend to develop ED 15 years earlier than men without diabetes.
What Is the Connection Between ED and Diabetes?
Diabetes can cause erectile dysfunction because it affects the blood supply around the penis and the nerves that control an erection. When a man is sexually aroused, the body releases nitric oxide to the bold stream. The nitric oxide stimulates the muscles and arteries in the penis to relax to allow more blood to flow to the penis giving the man an erection.
However, men with diabetes have irregular blood sugar levels, mainly when the condition is not managed correctly. When the blood glucose levels are high, the body produces less nitric oxide. This means less blood will flow to the penis, and it will be hard to keep an erection.
What Are the Other Causes of Erectile Dysfunction?
Here are some other reasons for erectile dysfunction:
- Psychological problems such as anxiety, stress, and depression
- High blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol
- Hormonal issues such as low testosterone
- Nervous system issues like a brain or spinal cord damage
- Drinking too much alcohol, smoking, or using illegal substances
- Some medications are taken for depression and high blood pressure
What Are the Treatments for Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction?
There is a variety of medications available for men who are not able to maintain an erection. Some of the medications that you can take orally include:
- sildenafil (Revatio, Viagra)
- avanafil (Stendra)
- vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
- tadalafil (Adcirca,Cialis),
However, patients diagnosed with diabetes have heart problems, and these medications might have dangerous interactions with some heart medicine. Talk to your doctor before you start taking any erectile dysfunction medicine.
Other treatments you can consider include:
- Venous constriction devices (for venous leak syndrome)
- intracavernous injection therapy
- penile prostheses (inflatable and malleable)
- intraurethral therapy
- vacuum erection (not constriction) devices
- Sex therapy
How Can You Prevent Erectile Dysfunction?
Here are some tips that cannot only help you deal with ED but also help you manage diabetes better:
Control Your Blood Sugar Levels Through Your Diet
You need to eat a diabetes-friendly diet to help you keep your blood sugar levels in check. This will also lessen the damage to your nerves and blood vessels. A proper diet will also help you keep your mood and energy levels high, reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction. Consider working with a dietician or a certified diabetes educator to help you make better nutrition choices.
Cut Back On Alcohol
Drinking more than two drinks daily can cause a lot of damage to your blood vessels and can significantly contribute to ED. Even being intoxicated can make it hard for some people to achieve an erection, interfering with your sexual function.
Quit Smoking
Smoking narrows your blood vessels and significantly decreases nitric oxide levels in the bloodstream. Consequently, this decreases the blood flow to the penis, which worsens ED.
Get Physically Active
Physical exercise can help you control blood sugar levels and improve blood circulation. It also lowers stress levels and improves energy. All these factors can help combat ED and help you have an active sex life.
Get Enough Sleep
Fatigue is a massive cause of sexual dysfunction. It is, therefore, essential to ensure that you get enough sleep every night to lower the risk of erectile Dysfunction.
Keep Your Stress Levels Low
Studies have shown that stress can interfere with sexual arousal and the ability to get an erection. Meditation, exercise, and setting aside time to do what you enjoy can help you manage your stress levels and reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.
If you are developing symptoms of depression or anxiety, make sure you consult your doctor. They will refer you to a therapist to help you work through your stress causes.
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