Diabetes Mellitus and Erectile Dysfunction

According to research and studies, anywhere between 35% and 75% of men suffering from diabetes will also experience a certain degree of impotence or erectile dysfunction. As the name suggests, erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection.

Men who are suffering from diabetes are more likely to develop ED around 10 to 15 years earlier than who don’t have diabetes. As diabetic men age, ED becomes a common problem. The risks of developing ED can increase up to 60% in diabetic men over the age of 50.

The Link between Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction

diabetes

There are many common issues associated with diabetes which can end up causing erectile dysfunction. Therefore, if you are suffering from diabetes, there can be a number of reasons for your ED problems as well.

  • Nitric Oxide and Blood Sugar
    Nitric oxide is released into the blood by the lining of the blood vessels in your body. This substance acts as a chemical messenger. It is responsible for causing the arteries and the muscles in the penis to relax. As they relax, blood enters the penis resulting in an election;
  • High blood sugar is an issue if you are suffering from diabetes and it can also result in erectile dysfunction. High blood sugar can damage the nerves and the blood vessels. As a result, a variety of bodily processes is affected. Sexual response and erection are among those processes affected. As the blood vessels are damaged, it is not possible for nitric oxide to be released. The absence of nitric oxide causes the blood vessels to become constricted. The flow of blood to the penis is also reduced. Ultimately, it causes ED;
  • High Blood Pressure
    It is common for people with diabetes to also suffer from high blood pressure. This can be another cause for ED. High blood pressure will increase the risks of the blood vessels being damaged when you are already suffering from diabetes. As a result, the blood flow around the body, including the penis, is further reduced;
  • High Cholesterol Levels
    High cholesterol levels are another common problem in diabetic people. High levels of bad cholesterol make it more difficult for the blood vessels to undergo dilation which affects their ability to pump blood. Additionally, high cholesterol levels also cause fats to be deposited in the walls of the arteries. The fatty deposits decrease the volume of blood passing through the arteries and, thereby, reducing blood flow;
  • Lifestyle Choices
    In many cases, diabetic men tend to follow certain lifestyle choices which increase the risk of developing ED. Smoking is one of them and it can be a major factor. Smoking can decrease the blood flow to the body including the penis;
  • Psychological Factors
    The risks of ED can be increased if you remain worried about your health, which is a common result of diabetes. ED is mainly a problem of the body. However, the state of the mind can affect sexual arousal and, in turn, erections. Stress and worry are two common issues.
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How to Treat ED When Suffering From Diabetes

Diabetes does make it more likely for you to suffer from erectile dysfunction. However, it is possible to reduce the risks and even regain normal erectile function. Here are some of the ways you can do so.

  • Controlling Diabetes
    By controlling diabetes, it is possible to reduce the risk of ED greatly. Moreover, it becomes easier to treat erectile dysfunction. Of course, you need to follow a healthy lifestyle even after diabetes has been brought under control;
  • Medications
    There are medicines available at My Canadian Pharmacy which can help in achieving an erection and sustain it. Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are common examples. They can be effective even in people with diabetes. However, these medications may not be suitable if you have heart or other medical conditions. Consult a doctor before taking any of these medicines;
  • Other Treatments
    There are other treatments which can help in alleviating symptoms of ED. Injections, sex therapy, vacuum devices and penile implants are some of them. Their rates of success differ. However, you must consult a doctor before going ahead with any of these treatments so as to determine their suitability for you.

Suffering from erectile dysfunction in addition to diabetes can be a difficult scenario. However, with the proper treatment, it is possible to regain normal functioning of the penis.