Erectile Dysfunction And Diabetes

Why Does Diabetes Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

As men age it is common to experience problems with sexual functions. Men with diabetes can have this problem much earlier and more severely, because diabetes can cause nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy. This may cause difficulties in obtaining an erection, maintaining an erection or ejaculating. Men with diabetes are three times more likely to have erectile dysfunction and may experience this problem up to 15 years earlier than non-diabetics.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have found that people with diabetes have an increased level of a particular simple sugar. This sugar interferes with the process that needs to happen in order to obtain and maintain a healthy erection. There is also a decline in blood vessel functioning.

What Should I Do if I Have Erectile Dysfunction?

Talking to your doctor is the first step. Your doctor will ask you about your sexual history, diet, how much you drink alcohol or smoke and will test your hormone and glucose levels.

Am I At Risk For Erectile Dysfunction?

The more risk factors you have the more likely you are to experience erectile dysfunction. Men who have problems with sexual functions tend to have one or more of the following risk factors:

• Poor blood glucose control


• High blood pressure


• High levels of blood cholesterol


• Are overweight


• Are over 40 years of age


• Drink excessively (more than 2 drinks a day)


• Smoke


• Take illegal drugs

What are the Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes is different than in non-diabetics, so conventional drugs like Visage are not as effective, but may be prescribed. More extreme measures include pellets placed in the urethra, shots directly in the penis or surgery. The vacuum pump is a common solution. The vacuum pump enables men with erectile dysfunction to achieve and maintain an erection. This device creates a vacuum and generates blood flow into the penis much like the natural erection process. Users can safely experience and erection for up to 30 minutes. A retention device is then used to reduce the blood flow from the penis