Several causes of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) may include chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, nerve damage, obesity, and diabetes. Over 7 of 10 men with reported cases of ED or impotence have diabetes as well.
Diabetes can also increase the risk of developing ED. Men with diabetes may develop ED a decade to 15 years earlier because of this underlying condition. But, there are ways to prevent diabetes-related ED from worsening. These methods could even reverse ED. Read on to find out more about Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes-related ED and how to treat it.
How does diabetes affect erectile dysfunction?
Erection can be a complex process, which involves several nerves, blood vessels, soft tissues, and arteries. The brain recognizes the signals of sexual arousal through the five senses. It then sends signals to nerves within and around the penis. Blood flows into the erectile tissue and corpora cavernosa, causing the penis to enlarge and become firm.
The tunica albuginea, a membrane around the corpora cavernosa, maintains blood flow pressure within the penis. It keeps the penis hard until ejaculation. Now, there are several known causes of erectile dysfunction related to diabetes, including:
- Damage to nerves
There are nerves responsible for the nerve function in the erection process. Men with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage. Furthermore, diabetes can affect the nerves responsible for heart rate and sex organs. This condition is known as automatic neuropathy.
- Damage to blood vessels
The vascular system is also vital for erection. Increased glucose levels in the bloodstream can lead to microvascular disease-damaged small blood vessels. When detected, it can pose problems maintaining an erection. Men with uncontrolled diabetes tend to have worse cases of ED due to vascular damage. Moreover, men diagnosed with high blood pressure and diabetes are at an even higher risk of causing further damage to the small blood vessels in the penis.
- Low testosterone levels
Testosterone plays a significant role in the sexual functions of men. Research shows that around a quarter of men with diabetes have low testosterone levels.
- Health conditions
Hypertension, heart disease, and clogged arteries may affect blood flow into the penis. The same happens when you have diabetes. High blood sugar levels may cause damage to blood vessels and lead to heart disease. In this way, diabetes can affect the blood flow throughout the body, including to the penis.
- Diabetes medication side effects
Multiple medications used to treat diabetes complications and heart problems could be causing erection difficulties. In particular, medications that lower blood pressure may cause side effects that lead to ED.
- Depression
Men with diabetes are two to three times more at risk of developing a major depressive disorder. Depression can affect men’s sex drive. Because of difficulties managing diabetes, many men may develop depression, anxiety, and ED.
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Erectile Dysfunction treatments when you have diabetes
Caution should be taken when treating erectile dysfunction when you have other health conditions like Type 2 diabetes. However, note that ED medications may impact the cardiovascular system.
Men with diabetes who also have heart problems or high blood pressure should be careful in taking ED medications as some may cause dangerous interactions with the medications they are currently taking. It is best to discuss with your doctor which of these treatments is best for you, such as:
- Oral ED medications – Also known as PDE5 inhibitors, these inhibit the enzyme PDE5 that regulates blood flow to the soft tissue within the penis. Popular oral medications include sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), avanafil (Stendra), and tadalafil (Cialis). Oral medication like sildenafil provides short-term relief from ED by increasing the rate of blood flow in the penile tissue to cause and maintain an erection. Meanwhile, the effect of tadalafil may last longer per dose–up to 36 hours.
- Psychological support – If the problem is associated with mental health like anxiety or depression, men with diabetes and ED may turn to counseling.
- Hormone therapy – For men with diabetes who suffer erectile dysfunction due to low testosterone levels may opt to undergo testosterone replacement therapy.
- Vacuum pump therapy – This device includes a plastic tube, a pump, and a ring. Together, these work to increase blood flow into the penis while the ring helps maintain an erection during sexual intercourse.
- Penile injection therapy – When oral drug therapy fails to improve ED over time, your doctor may suggest injecting alprostadil (Caverject) directly on the penis before sexual intercourse. Hormone injection may help increase blood supply in the penis to boost erection.
- Major surgery – When all other treatments fail to improve ED, a surgical procedure may be necessary. One called penile prosthesis involves an inflatable rod implanted into the penis. This helps make it hard for penetration.
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Lifestyle changes for men with diabetes and ED
It is vital to stress the importance of exercise, a well-balanced diet, and stress management in treating diabetes-related erectile dysfunction. Management of diabetes may reduce the risk of developing or worsening cases of ED. Lifestyle changes you may adopt that will help improve your condition include:
- Maintaining a healthy BMI through exercise and a healthy diet (high in fiber, low in saturated fat)
- Amino acid supplementation such as L-arginine and L-citrulline may increase nitric oxide production in the body. This can help boost blood flow to the penis and improve erectile function.
- Stopping or reducing habits like alcohol use and smoking to prevent its side effects such as impaired erectile function and reduced sexual satisfaction.
- Reducing tension and stress, be it work, personal, or relationship-related can do wonders in minimizing the effects of ED. Counseling can also help.
Wrap Up
Diabetes increases men’s risk of having erectile dysfunction. Diabetes can affect nerve and vascular systems, lower testosterone levels, and may come with side effects that potentially lead to ED. Erectile dysfunction may be treated with a lifestyle change or through oral medication and other treatments like medical devices or injectables.
