Diabetes and erectile dysfunction occurs in about 50%-60% of male diabetics. Erectile dysfunction in diabetics occurs 10 to 15 years earlier in men with diabetes. The causes of this are complex. To get an erection, men need healthy blood vessels, nerves, male hormones and a desire. Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves overtime. This of course affects your ability to have sex, even if you have a desire and a sufficient amount of male hormones.
Erectile Dysfunction Due to Diabetes
Diabetes erectile dysfunction can occur from diabetes related conditions such as high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. It can also stem directly from diabetes. This is because of poor management of blood sugar level over a vast amount of time.
Erectile dysfunction diabetes can be challenging, frustrating, and discouraging. Talking with your doctor is the first step to getting your sex life back on track. Sometimes medications can be used to treat an erectile dysfunction in diabetes. It is also important to manage blood sugar levels well in order to prevent further diabetes and erectile dysfunction problems.
There are also other health problems related to diabetes. Be sure that you’re treating the right health problems. There is a difference between erectile dysfunction from diabetes and erectile function with diabetes. Many chronic conditions can cause these types of problems. In addition, the cause could be linked to medications that you are taking such as anti-depressants and blood pressure pills. It could also be link to conditions such as anxiety and stress (MayoClinic.com, 2012).
Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are commonly used to treat erectile dysfunctions. These, however, can conflict with some popular diabetes medications. Yet, there are several treatment options for diabetes and erectile dysfunction. You should speak to your doctor before starting any treatments and about the different treatments available to you. Some of the treatment options available include:
Intracavernous Pharmacotherapy (ICP) – This is FDA-approved medication that is painlessly injected into the penis. This typically results in a natural feeling erection within a few minutes. The erection does not subside until the medication wears off.
Vacuum suction devices (VSDs) – This cylindrical device works by sucking air from the chamber, and therefore drawing blood into the penis. VSDs can be used in conjunction with ICP medication as well.
Other treatments – Hormone replacement therapy, sex therapy, arterial and venous surgeries are other treatment options for diabetes and erectile dysfunction (DiabetesErectileDysfunction.com, 2009).
