Sexual health: How diabetes affects a man’s sex life

Diabetes along with hypertension can affect blood flow to different parts of the body, including the genitals. In men, this can manifest as erectile dysfunction.

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: November 2, 2018 9:14 pm

Sometimes natural remedies do wonders to deal with problems of ED. © Shutterstock

When we talk about the complications of diabetes we usually talk about the obvious, how it affects the major organs, the blood glucose levels and how it affects one’s mental health too. One aspect of diabetes complication that we least speak about is sexual health and how it affects one. The complications of diabetes involve nerve damage due to high levels of sugar in the blood. In men, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to problems with the penile health and hamper performance in bed. In fact, diabetes is a leading cause of sexual health problem along with hypertension, high cholesterol, and smoking. Diabetes along with hypertension can affect blood flow to different parts of the body, including the genitals. In men, this can manifest as erectile dysfunction.

Diabetes and erectile dysfunction

The chances of a man suffering from erectile dysfunction due to uncontrolled diabetes are more than that of a man who has his diabetes under control. Men who have control over their condition can still face problems in bed which could range from being mild to moderate ones responsive to therapy or medication. However, for men who have uncontrolled diabetes the damages done to the arteries and nerves in the penile area can be irreversible this can lead to problems in erection and ejaculation. Another problem that men with diabetes can face is lack of libido and a general fatigue that can make it difficult to perform in bed. Uncontrolled diabetes in men can lead to,

Problems with erection
Low libido due to low testosterone levels
Premature or delayed ejaculation
Inability to cope up with the partner’s demands due to low stamina
Fatigue

What can be done?

Sexual complications due to diabetes can be avoided by taking proper medications and treatments. One way to do it is by keeping blood sugar levels, hypertension and cholesterol in control. However other ways of dealing with sexual tension due to diabetes are