Diabetes can impact every aspect of person’s life, including their sexual health. Diabetes is a chronic condition, and it affects sex life in both direct and indirect ways. Diabetes can also have an impact on a person’s mental health and self-esteem, and this, too, can affect sexual health.
How diabetes affects the sexual function of men
Diabetes can also cause symptoms in men that are related to sexual health.
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection.
It can be a symptom of many health issues, including high blood pressure, kidney disease, and circulatory or nervous system conditions. ED can also be caused by stress, smoking, or medication. Learn more about the causes of ED.
Men with diabetes are at risk for ED. According to a recent meta-analysis of 145 studies, over 50 percent of men with diabetes have erectile dysfunction.
If you experience ED, consider diabetes as a possible cause.
Damage to the autonomic nervous system (ANS)
Diabetes can harm the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and lead to sexual problems.
The ANS controls the widening or constricting of your blood vessels. If the blood vessels and nerves in the penis are injured by diabetes, ED can result.
Blood vessels can be damaged by diabetes that can slow blood flow into the penis. This is another common cause of ED among men with diabetes.
Retrograde ejaculation
Men with diabetes can also face retrograde ejaculation. This results in some semen being released into the bladder. Symptoms may include noticeably less semen released during ejaculation.
How diabetes affects the sexual function of women
It’s important to remember that neurovascular complications can also cause sexual dysfunction in women. The lack of blood flow can contribute to vaginal dryness and high blood glucose levels can contribute to thrush, which can make sex uncomfortable.
There is much less research around this but a higher prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) has been described in both women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This seems to fall into four main areas:
- desire
- arousal
- dyspareunia (pain with intercourse)
- orgasm
Lifestyle tips
Living a healthful lifestyle is an important way for men and women with diabetes to boost their overall sense of wellbeing, as well as their sexual health.
Tips include:
- eating a healthful diet
- exercising regularly
- maintaining a healthy weight
These practices are excellent for overall good health and can promote self-esteem.
