Can Diabetes Cause Erection Problem ?

More than 40% of people who have diabetes also have erectile dysfunction. Men with diabetes experienced ED 10 to 15 years ago other than the ones who don't have diabetes. So, there is a link between Erectile dysfunction and diabetes. Isn't it?

It might be possible. Hence, it is always advised to inform the doctor about all diseases before starting ED treatments. Here, we are going to discuss everything about how ED is linked with diabetes. Read this blog to know more about it.

What is erectile dysfunction?

ED is a sexual dysfunction in which a man faces an inability to achieve a penile erection. As a result, men are unable to fulfill their sexual desires due to poor erectile function. This happens when the blood vessels shrink, and there is a low amount of blood flow in the penis.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition when the blood sugar level in the body is too high. It is a chronic hormonal disorder that is caused by the lack of hormones produced by the pancreas. It may also be caused if your body doesn't respond to insulin.

Erectile dysfunction causes

There are several risk factors for the occurrence of male impotence, also called Erectile dysfunction. To achieve an erection, it is a must to have healthy blood vessels and male hormones. Diabetes, a problem including (high blood sugar) can put both men and women at greater risk of specific issues. It may cause heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss, and even amputation of a toe, foot, or leg. However, in some men, diabetes hit directly below the belt with ED. But Diabetes is not only a reason if you have erectile dysfunction. Most men have other factors, too, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. You might be suffering from other factors as well.

Some of them are:

• Smoking

• Obesity

• No exercise

• Lifestyle

• Food

Several medications may also cause this problem in men. ED can also occur due to stress, depression, and anxiety. Around 20% of ED cases are reported due to psychological factors like stress. Consult a doctor to know the reason for its occurrence in your case.

What's the link between Diabetes and ED?

Even today, the reason for the ED occurrence in diabetic patients is not known. However, diabetic patients are more likely to suffer from ED has been observed. If your diabetes doesn't remain controlled for long, it damages nerves and blood circulation.

This even reduces the blood flow to the penis. As a result, the problem of ED arises. Even if you have diabetes, keeping it in the normal range doesn't contribute to erectile dysfunction or impotence. People with Diabetes experience ED faster.

How does Diabetes cause ED problems?

Diabetes is not directly linked with ED. However, it damages the nerves, slowing down blood flow and, hence, leading to ED. Diabetes may lead to ED in these ways.

• Reducing sex drive

• Low blood flow to the penis

• Lack of sexual desire

• Nerve dysfunction in the penis (Damage to penile arteries)

Treatment for ED with Diabetes Mellitus

A person who has erectile dysfunction along with diabetes can be treated in several ways. However, it is always advised to choose any treatment only after getting proper advice from a healthcare professional. Some common ED treatments are:

Medications

There are several ED medications available, such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and more. You can take any of them to get rid of ED and achieve erection. If you are a diabetic patient, let your doctor know before taking any of the medicine.

Vacuum device

Vacuum device is a plastic tube that is placed in the penis. A vacuum is created by hand or battery. It pushes blood to the penis, which leads to an erection. However, this device is not used if you are taking anticoagulants.

Intracavernosal injection

In the form of an injection, Alprostadil is pushed into the body. Alprostadil is a hormone that increases blood flow in the penis. This injection is given in the penis, which increases blood flow resulting in an erection.

Lifestyle changes to adapt if having ED with Diabetes

Some common lifestyle changes may also help you prevent ED, even if you are a diabetes patient. These lifestyle changes not only help in preventing ED but also keep diabetes in the normal range. So, to improve your sexual function, you may adopt these

• Perform 30 minutes of exercise or meditation daily.

• Try losing weight as much as possible.

• Reduce your stress and anxiety levels.

• Have proper sleep of around 8 hours a day.

• Reduce the consumption of alcohol.

Can ED caused by Diabetes be treated?

If you control your elevated blood sugar levels, there are high chances of treating ED. In some rare cases, it doesn't get treated because of the nerve damage. You can even start any other ED treatment to feel better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do medicines used to treat Diabetes also treat ED?

Ans- Diabetic medicines lower blood sugar levels, resulting in a normal diabetes range. If your diabetes levels remain normal, it may treat ED in some cases. But if you are suffering from ED because of some other reason, Diabetic medicines might not help.

Can I take ED medicines and Diabetes medicines together?

Ans- It is advised to take both medicines in a gap of around 2 to 3 hours. But before starting ED medicine, let your doctor know which diabetic medication you are taking.

Do ED treatments help if Diabetes causes it?

Ans- Yes, ED treatments help even if Diabetes causes it. But start any therapy only if you are advised to do so by a healthcare professional.

Final words

If you are experiencing ED problems, it is first advised to visit a doctor. They will better find the reason for its occurrence. It might be possible that you face erectile dysfunction as you have Diabetes.

Inform the doctor about all medications, diseases, and other things before starting any ED treatments.