Is Diabetes Interfering With Your Love Life?
Men and women with diabetes do report more difficulties in this area.
There are several reasons– both physical and psychological– why this is true. Diabetic Neuropathy, or damage to nerves and small blood vessels caused by diabetes, can lead to a variety of physical complications that can affect sexual activity. For men, this can take the form of erectile dysfunction (an inability to have or maintain an erection) or retrograde ejaculation (where some or all semen flows into the bladder, rather than out through the penis).
For women, common problems include vaginal dryness, reduced sexual desire or response, and painful intercourse. Nerve damage can also cause urological problems such as overactive bladder, urine retention, and poor sphincter (muscles that surround body openings) control resulting in urine leakage.
These problems can lead to urinary tract infections and interfere with sexual activity. Men and women are at higher risk of developing diabetic neuropathy and related sexual and urological problems if they are overweight, underactive, over 40 or smoke cigarettes, or if their blood pressure or cholesterol levels are high or blood glucose (sugar) is not controlled.
At the same time, getting these factors in the ranges recommended by their healthcare providers through improved diet, increased physical activity, and appropriate medication can reduce risk of Psychological Issues. One study found that almost 80 % of women with diabetes in their early to mid-forties reported sexual dysfunction, and the rates were especially high in women who also reported anxiety or depression.
60 % of men with diabetes have experienced erectile dysfunction, delayed or premature ejaculation, or reduced sexual desire.
What You Can Do to Improve Your Sex Life
Many people with diabetes don’t even know that there is a link between sexual issues and diabetes-related medical problems. It is a sensitive issue, it’s important for men and women with diabetes to discuss sexual concerns with a trusted health care provider in order to identify the source of the problem and develop a care plan.
Sexual dysfunction is a medical problem that many doctors are prepared to address. There are no quick fixes, because sexual health is complicated,” says Minneapolis-based psychologist Joseph Nelson, M.A., L.P., C.S.T. “But speaking with your physician or diabetes educator is the first step toward getting your sex life back on track.
