The Connection Between Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes

Diabetes and erectile dysfunction (ED) may seem like two completely different health conditions, but they often go hand-in-hand. ED is a sexual dysfunction that makes it difficult for men to achieve or maintain an erection. Men suffering from diabetes are two to three times more likely to be affected by ED. When men below the age of 45 develop ED, it could even be a warning sign of type-2 diabetes. There are a number of factors that play a role in the development of ED in men suffering from diabetes and understanding the link can help to effectively treat the condition.  

Risk Factors For The Development Of Erectile Dysfunction

Some of the other risk factors that are responsible for the development of ED in men include the following: 

• Unhealthy diet
• Anxiety and stress
• Physically inactive lifestyle or lack of exercise
• Excess weight or obesity
• Uncontrolled hypertension

While these factors can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction, they are also known to play a role in the development of diabetes. Taking steps to address these risk factors can therefore help with both the management of diabetes, as well as erectile dysfunction.

How Does Diabetes Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Diabetes can cause damage to various organs and bodily functions, also affecting hormonal levels, thereby contributing to the development of erectile dysfunction. Some of the mechanisms through which diabetes increases the risk of erectile dysfunction include the following: 

Nervous system: Neuropathy or nerve damage is one of the most common health complications of diabetes. Achieving and sustaining an erection is a function of the nervous system. Damage to the nervous system, resulting from diabetes, can therefore directly affect the ability of men to achieve or maintain erections.

Blood Vessels and Circulation System: Diabetes damages the blood vessels, impairing blood flow through the body. As proper blood flow to the penis is critical for getting and maintaining an erection, diabetes’ impact on the circulatory system significantly increases the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Medications: It has been found that many medications that are necessary to treat diabetes can produce side effects,one of which is erectile dysfunction. However, it is imperative that you do not stop medication on your own. To treat the condition, your doctor can modify diabetes treatment and also prescribed medications to manage ED, if required.

Treatments Of Erectile Dysfunction Caused Due To Diabetes?

There are two main types of treatments available for treating erectile dysfunction – oral medications and external mechanical devices. Oral medications are recommended as the first line of treatment as they are extremely effective and are less likely to cause side effects. Common medications that are prescribed for ED work by improving blood flow to the penis. Most of these medications can be used alongside diabetes medications without posing a risk of interaction. However, such medications should not be taken without first consulting your healthcare provider. 

When oral medications do not work or when they are not appropriate for a patient with diabetes, other treatments may be suggested, such as penis pumps or penile implants. 

• Penis Pumps: A penis pump is a hollow tube that consists of a hand-powered or battery-powered pump. The penis is inserted into the tube and the pump is used to suction air out of the tube. The vacuum created with this process pulls blood towards the penis and helps in getting an erection that lasts long enough to have sexual intercourse. 
• Penile Implants: This procedure involves surgical insertion of devices on both sides of the penis. These implants consist of either inflatable or semi rigid rods. The inflatable implants give you greater control over the time and duration of an erection, while semi rigid implants are always firm, but bendable.

Erectile dysfunction is extremely common in men with type 2 diabetes, but it is not a problem that only affects diabetics. In many cases, the condition is mainly linked to stress and anxiety, so it helps to better manage stress. Diet and lifestyle changes that can help manage diabetes will also help to treat ED, so it’s important to keep diabetes in check at all times. 

References:

• https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/getting-tested.html
• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
• https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/vod/vod216/vodspr0703.htm
• https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/type-2-and-erectile-dysfunction
• https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-erectile-dysfunction.html
• https://pmj.bmj.com/content/88/1037/152
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279101/
• https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/guide/ed-diabetes