Diabetic erectile dysfunction is a common problem for men with diabetes. In fact, statistics show that 50 percent of men with diabetes will suffer from diabetic erectile dysfunction within 10 years of their diagnosis. Furthermore, it is often the first symptom that a many may notice of the disease or the first thing that leads men to get tested for diabetes.
Causes of Diabetic Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetic Men
It is no secret that elevated blood glucose levels cause blood vessel and nerve damage to various parts of the body. In the same manner, diabetes leads to complications of blood flow and/or nerve damage to the penis. In addition, heart disease and coronary artery disease, which are common complications which can derive from diabetes, can cause sexual dysfunction on their own. So, according to diabetes.about.com, a person with both diabetes and coronary artery disease is 9 times more likely to have diabetic erectile dysfunction than someone who only has diabetes.
Diabetic Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
Luckily, there are many different treatment options available for those who have diabetic erectile dysfunction. For example, WebMd.com states that there is evidence that controlling blood sugar levels and cholesterol and participating in a consistent exercise program may improve symptoms of diabetic erectile dysfunction. There are also five oral medications available for the treatment of diabetic erectile dysfunction. They are:
- Cialis
- Levitra
- Staxyn
- Sendra
- Viagra
These medications are not as successful in diabetics as they are in non-diabetics; however, they usually help 50% to 60% of people with diabetic erectile dysfunction. Still, there are more treatment options available. For example, intracavernous injection therapy has a success rate of 60% to 80% for diabetic men. The medications used in this practice include:
- Alprostadil
- Papaverine hydrochloride
- Phentolamine mesylate
Vacuum constriction devices (VCD) are affective among 80% of the users. However, although the success rates are high for both injection treatments and the use of VCD’s, most people stop using these techniques within a period of several years. One of the methods of treatments which have the highest degree of satisfaction is penile implants. In order to receive a penile implant, however, you must be a good candidate for surgery. One of the first things to be considered in your candidacy is whether or not you have good control of your blood glucose levels.
No matter what treatment options you seek out, you will most likely find a remedy for your diabetic erectile dysfunction. Talk to your doctor about all of these treatment options and which ones he feels is right for you. Within a short period of time you should be able to put these matters behind you.
