Diabetes And Sexual Health In Men: Understanding The Connection
Diabetes is a leading cause of sexual health issues in people, along with hypertension, high cholesterol, and smoking. It can affect nerve function and blood flow to any place in the body. One area that can often be affected is the genitals. “In men, this can commonly manifest as erectile dysfunction,” says Kenneth Snow, M.D., Joslin’s Acting Chief of Adult Diabetes. Men with poorly controlled diabetes are more likely to have sexual issues than those in good control. Men who have good control of their diabetes can still have issues, according to Dr. Snow, but they are more likely to be mild and responsive to therapy. Diabetes Complications and Sexual Health The biggest cause of sexual issues for men is nerve and artery damage in the genital area, which disrupts blood flow and can cause erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is known to occur in over one-half of men who’ve had diabetes for 10 years. Studies have shown that men with erectile dysfunction and diabetes are also more likely to have heart disease, because the risk factors for erectile dysfunction are the same as for coronary artery disease. “The same problems that lead to decreased blood flow in the arteries in the penis, lead to blockages in the arteries of the heart,” Dr. Snow says. Other sexual health issues can include: Decreased libido – often stemming from depression or low levels of testosterone Premature/delayed ejaculation Maintaining Sexual Health with Diabetes Complications and sexual issues can be avoided by taking proper care of your diabetes. Keep your diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control, Dr. Snow says. Along with properly managing your diabetes, other options for treatment can include: Oral medications, including Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra Mechanical method Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Sex | Dlife
Sex can be a joy, a challenge, a puzzle, and a frustration. At its best, its physically and emotionally fulfilling. At its worst, it can cause feelings of disappointment and failure. Add diabetes to this complicated mix, and things get even more interesting. The mechanics of testing, pumps, and tubing; the threat of lows or highs; and the potential problems that diabetic complications can cause in the bedroom can all make intimacy overwhelming sometimes. Take this quiz and pick up some tips for a more comfortable, pleasurable sex life. You have already completed the quiz before. Hence you can not start it again. You must sign in or sign up to start the quiz. You have to finish following quiz, to start this quiz: The lights are low, the music is on, and the mood is right for romance. Before you and your partner get down to business, you should make sure you: b. have purchased sugar-free massage oils Practice safe sex in more ways than one. Sex is exercise, and it can get strenuous. Be sure to test your blood sugar before getting intimate. Yes, this may slow you down for a minute or two and make you feel less than spontaneous, but since nothing kills the moment like a sweaty, shaky low in the throes of passion, its worth it. Keep your supplies nearby in case you need them. Practice safe sex in more ways than one. Sex is exercise, and it can get strenuous. Be sure to test your blood sugar before getting intimate. Yes, this may slow you down for a minute or two and make you feel less than spontaneous, but since nothing kills the moment like a sweaty, shaky low in the throes of passion, its worth it. Keep your supplies nearby in case you need them. You just finished an hour of very strenuous sex with your partner. Youve tested your blood sugar, and its a nice, even 100 mg/d Continue reading >>
How Diabetes Affects Your Sex Life
It's easy to pin a lagging libido on stress, depression, age, or lack of sleep. But if your sexual feelings have changed or if intercourse has become uncomfortable or nearly impossible, either as a result of chronically high blood glucose levels (an occasional high level will not cause long-term problems) or nerve problems, diabetes could be the cause. Experts estimate that 75 percent of men and 35 percent of women with diabetes experience some sexual problems due to diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) to the nerves that stimulate normal sexual response. The good news: Research has shown that people can lower their risk for diabetes-related sexual problems by taking steps to control their diabetes, including: The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), a 10-year National Institutes of Health study of individuals with type 1 diabetes, found that improved diabetes control decreased the risk of developing neuropathy by 60 percent. This means the steps you can take to manage your diabetes are the same keys that open the doors to a healthy sexual relationship. What Women Should Know About Sex and Diabetes Women with diabetes may find it difficult to stimulate lubrication, experience orgasm, or even feel sexual desire due to nerve damage. These steps can reduce sexual complications and increase pleasure. Get rid of dryness: For persistent vaginal dryness, purchase a water-base vaginal lubricant over the counter from any pharmacy. You might also work on relaxing the muscles around the vagina with Kegel exercises: contracting your pelvic muscles to control the flow of urine. Lose weight: Being overweight can contribute to low self-esteem and loss of libido. A recent Duke University study found that shedding weight (17.5 percent of body weight) helped obese men and women Continue reading >>
Effects Of Diabetes In Women: Low Sex Drive And More
From a low sex drive to yeast infections, diabetes can rob women of sexual pleasure in subtle ways. Find out how to get your groove back. Plus, test your diabetes IQ with our quiz... Not feeling in the mood? Maybe it’s diabetes. The chronic condition increases your risk for sexual dysfunction. In fact, nearly 50% of women with diabetes report some sort of sexual problem, says diabetes educator Janis Roszler, co-author of Sex and Diabetes: For Him and For Her, published by the American Diabetes Association. But pinpointing the source of the problem is difficult because signs of sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes aren’t as obvious as in their male counterparts. “Women are not men without penises,” says Irwin Goldstein, M.D., director of sexual medicine at Alvarado Hospital in San Diego and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Sexual Medicine. Women with diabetes may complain about being too tired or frustrated when it comes to sex. But the symptoms aren’t all in your head. Play Video Play Loaded: 0% Progress: 0% Remaining Time -0:00 This is a modal window. Foreground --- White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan --- Opaque Semi-Opaque Background --- White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan --- Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window --- White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan --- Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Default Monospace Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Sans-Serif Casual Script Small Caps Defaults Done Continue reading >>
Sex, Urinary, And Bladder Problems Of Diabetes
What sexual problems can occur in men with diabetes? Erectile Dysfunction Erectile dysfunction is a consistent inability to have an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. The condition includes the total inability to have an erection and the inability to sustain an erection. Estimates of the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes vary widely, ranging from 20 to 75 percent. Men who have diabetes are two to three times more likely to have erectile dysfunction than men who do not have diabetes. Among men with erectile dysfunction, those with diabetes may experience the problem as much as 10 to 15 years earlier than men without diabetes. Research suggests that erectile dysfunction may be an early marker of diabetes, particularly in men ages 45 and younger. In addition to diabetes, other major causes of erectile dysfunction include high blood pressure, kidney disease, alcohol abuse, and blood vessel disease. Erectile dysfunction may also occur because of the side effects of medications, psychological factors, smoking, and hormonal deficiencies. Men who experience erectile dysfunction should consider talking with a health care provider. The health care provider may ask about the patient's medical history, the type and frequency of sexual problems, medications, smoking and drinking habits, and other health conditions. A physical exam and laboratory tests may help pinpoint causes of sexual problems. The health care provider will check blood glucose control and hormone levels and may ask the patient to do a test at home that checks for erections that occur during sleep. The health care provider may also ask whether the patient is depressed or has recently experienced upsetting changes in his life. Treatments for erectile dysfunction caused by nerve damage, Continue reading >>
When Diabetes Affects Your Sex Life
Mike’s doctor looked and sounded concerned. “Your sugars are up, your blood pressure is up, and you’ve gained 10 pounds since I last saw you, ” she said. “You were doing so well. What happened? ” “I don’t know,” said Mike. “I’m just down. Exercising and checking my blood glucose don’t seem worth the effort now. My neuropathy is burning holes in my feet. It’s been a hard year.” “Sounds to me like you’re depressed,” said the doctor. She then wrote out a prescription for a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for Mike’s depression and another for a refill of Mike’s usual blood pressure medicine, but this time with a higher dose. The doctor didn’t ask about Mike’s sex life, and Mike didn’t volunteer that what was really bothering him was that he and his wife Barbara had stopped having sex about 10 months before. He couldn’t count on getting erections or keeping them, and without them, he withdrew, both physically and emotionally. He and Barbara were miserable. Unfortunately, both of the medicines his doctor had just prescribed can have the side effects of decreasing sex drive and making it harder for men to have erections. So the new treatments were potentially going to make Mike’s problem worse. Mike hadn’t mentioned his sexual problems to his doctor because he felt embarrassed about them, and his doctor apparently didn’t think to ask about sexual issues. Had she known about Mike’s erection difficulties, she might have prescribed a drug for erectile dysfunction rather than an antidepressant. But Mike had already bought some Viagra on the Internet. It had helped a little with the erections, but not much, and it did nothing for his energy level or low mood. Barbara was at her wit’s end. She thought Mike’s wit Continue reading >>
Sex And Gender Differences In Therapy Of Type 2 Diabetes - Sciencedirect
Volume 131 , September 2017, Pages 230-241 Sex and gender differences in therapy of type 2 diabetes Author links open overlay panel AlexandraKautzky-Willerab Sex-sensitive education and drug therapy improve quality of life and diabetes care. Awareness of potential sex-specific adverse effects of drug therapy is necessary. Diabetic women feature a greater cardiovascular risk. Diabetes management must pay attention of sex- and gender-differences. Clinical guidelines for the management of type 2 diabetes recommend individual therapy considering age, duration of disease, presence of complication and risk of hypoglycaemia. However, at present, the patients sex has no impact on clinical decisions. Yet, there is mounting data pointing at biological and psychosocial differences between men and women with great impact on progression of disease and complications. Moreover, choices and preferences of therapeutic strategies as well as adherence to lifestyle and pharmacological interventions differ in both sexes. In addition, drug therapy may have sex-specific side effects. Therefore, there is need of more research on biological differences and of evidence-based individualised targeted sex-sensitive therapeutic concepts. Clinical guidelines must consider relevant sex-differences. Development and implementation of sex-specific programs may help to improve adherence to therapy and to reduce progression of disease and development of complications. A more gender-sensitive clinical approach may improve quality of life and increase health and life expectancy in men and women with type 2 diabetes. Continue reading >>
Sex And Type 1 Diabetes
When a person is diagnosed with diabetes, their doctor will typically walk them through the steps of how to deal with this medical issue in the following years; however, sex is rarely addressed, often leaving the patient feeling left in the dark. The journal Diabetes Care found that only half of all men and 19 percent of women with diabetes had broached the topic of sex with their doctors.1 It is crucial that individuals with Type I Diabetes become aware of the sexual problems associated with this health condition because certain symptoms can be assumed an effect of Type 1 diabetes, but be caused from an unrelated medical condition. For people that already have diabetes, sexual problems can indicate nerve damage, blocked arteries, and irregular hormone patterns.2 People who keep their diabetes under control can lower their risk of developing these sexual and urologic problems in the future. Talk to Your Partner Establishing a strong system of communication with your partner is a crucial component of every relationship. Along with discussing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception usage, Type 1 diabetics should express how diabetes affects their sex life. Many Type 1 diabetics may feel self conscious about their condition and try to hide it from their partners. If you do this, however, you may not feel comfortable asking your partner for a break from sex in the case of a low blood sugar and put yourself in a dangerous situation. Sex is an intense physical activity and as any Type 1 diabetic knows, this can cause a fast drop in blood glucose level. Make sure your partner knows how to care for you in case you experience a severe low blood sugar level and are unable to care for yourself. It is your responsibility as a diabetic to protect yourself and give t Continue reading >>
Erectile Dysfunction And Diabetes: Take Control Today
Erectile dysfunction is a common problem for men who have diabetes — but it's not inevitable. Consider prevention strategies, treatment options and more. Erectile dysfunction — the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex — is common in men who have diabetes. It can stem from problems caused by poor long-term blood sugar control, which damages nerves and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can also be linked to other conditions common in men with diabetes, such as high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. Having erectile dysfunction can be a real challenge. It can leave you and your partner feeling frustrated and discouraged. Take steps to cope with erectile dysfunction — and get your sex life back on track. Talk to an expert Many men are reluctant to discuss erectile dysfunction with their doctors. But don't let embarrassment keep you from getting help. One small conversation can make a big difference. Here's what to do: Tell your doctor what's going on. Your doctor will consider underlying causes of your erectile dysfunction and can give you information about medication and other erectile dysfunction treatments. Find out your options. Ask what you need to do to control diabetes. Careful blood sugar control can prevent nerve and blood vessel damage that can lead to erectile dysfunction. Ask your doctor if you're taking the right steps to manage your diabetes. Ask about other health problems. It's common for men with diabetes to have other chronic conditions that can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. Work with your doctor to make sure you're addressing any other health problems. Check your medications. Ask your doctor if you're taking any medications that might be worsening your erectile problems, such as drugs used to treat depres Continue reading >>
Type 2 Diabetes And Sexual Health
With chronic illness, sex often gets put on the back burner. But sexuality and sexual expression are at the top of the list when it comes to quality of life, no matter what problems a person may face. People with type 2 diabetes are no different. It’s important to recognize and address sexuality issues that affect people with diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can cause sexual complications for both genders, and can also cause gender-specific issues. A common sexuality problem in people with type 2 diabetes is a decrease in libido, or loss of a sex drive. This can be frustrating if someone had a thriving libido and satisfying sex life prior to a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Causes of a low libido associated with type 2 diabetes include: side effects of medications for high blood pressure or depression extreme fatigue lack of energy depression hormonal changes stress, anxiety, and relationship issues Diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage associated with diabetes, can cause issues. Numbness, pain, or lack of feeling can also occur in the genitals. This can lead to erectile dysfunction. It may also inhibit orgasm or make it difficult to feel sexual stimulation. These side effects can make sex painful or unenjoyable. Communication between partners about sexual issues is important. A lack of communication can impact the sexual and intimate side of a relationship. An illness can make it easy for couples to “check out” of the relationship sexually. Sometimes it may seem easier to avoid talking about this issue rather than seeking a solution. If one partner becomes the primary caregiver of the other, it can also change how each person views the other. It’s easy to get caught up in the roles of “patient” and “caregiver” and let the romance can slip away. The most wide Continue reading >>
Is Diabetes Destroying Your Sex Life?
You currently understand diabetic issues can create heart issues, as well as physical disorders. However a brand-new study reveals it may additionally cause problems in the bedroom much earlier than is typical for most men. Males with diabetes could experience erectile dysfunction (ED) when they remain in their 40s, which is TWO decades previous compared to the population of men without the illness, Dr.Franscois tells our Health and Wellness team. This stands for a 20-year velocity of the aging process. Francois, teacher of urology and department chair at the University of Washington Institution of Medication in Seattle, adds what makes this more difficult is that sexual dysfunction is commonly a covert problem, one that several patients as well as their medical professionals prefer not to talk about. As individuals with diabetes mellitus are living longer as well as staying clear of much more feared problems, like loss of sight, as well as amputation this could affect issues like sex-related performance, which has an actual impact on quality of life, Franscois adds. Its estimated that 29 million Americans are dealing with diabetes, and about 1.7 million brand-new cases are diagnosed yearly, inning accordance with the Centers for Condition Control and also Prevention. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition that harms the bodys capability to generate or appropriately make use of insulin, the hormonal agent that transforms food into energy. Because of this, glucose (sugar) accumulates in the blood. One of the primary complications of diabetic issues is nerve damages, or neuropathy, which could create a loss of sensation throughout the body, and also impact the bladder and the genital organs also, claims Francois. Another complication of diabetes mellitus is damage to Continue reading >>
Diabetes, Men, And Sex
Sexual dysfunction. You've seen the ads on television, you've heard the jokes, and, if you're like most men, you've tried your best to block it from your mind. But if you have diabetes, this is one touchy subject you shouldn't ignore. A full 75 percent of diabetic men have some trouble achieving or maintaining an erection long enough to have intercourse. But diabetes doesn't have to be a deathblow to your sex life. You can protect your sexual functioning by keeping your diabetes under control. And if the condition has already started to derail your physical relationships, your doctor can help you get back on track. How does diabetes cause sexual dysfunction? Erections take teamwork from several parts of the body: Your brain makes you aroused, your nerves sense pleasurable feelings, and your arteries carry a flood of blood to the penis. Unfortunately, poorly controlled diabetes can ruin that teamwork. Blood sugar that stays too high for too long can both deaden your nerves and damage the arteries that feed your penis. You can still get aroused, but you'll have trouble turning those feelings into action. The breakdown doesn't happen overnight. Most men have diabetes for many years before they notice a problem with erections. Diabetic men rarely have any erectile dysfunction before they reach 30. The key is controlling your diabetes. But when it comes to blood sugar, how high is too high? There's a national movement to describe sugar levels in terms of A1C (also known as glycosylated hemoglobin or HbA1c)), a lab test that reports average blood glucose over a period of two to three months. If your A1C is below 7 percent, your blood sugar is under control. But as A1C gets higher than 7 percent your long-term risk of damage to nerves and arteries increases, and that can also Continue reading >>
Sex And Type 2 Diabetes
An overview of how to have the sex life you want after a diabetes diagnosis. Your sex life should not stop with a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. While getting intimate may present challenges, many sexual problems that arise can be treated if caught in time. Weve decided to discuss five important ideas about sex and diabetes with five great songs about sex, just to keep things interesting. First off, communication is key, and not just with your partner. Even though people with diabetes are at a higher risk for sexual problems than the average population, a 2010 study found that only 50 percent of men with diabetes and 19 percent of women with diabetes have discussed their sex lives with their doctors. So start the conversation, if you havent already! Your doctor will be able to provide you with personalized advice, as well as information about how your specific medications could be affecting your sex life. That being said, communicating with your partner is also crucial. Sometimes, partners can feel embarrassed or ashamed, or simply think it easier to avoid sexual issues than to confront them. We think that having the talk will help you both be comfortable with each other and may even open you up to the possibility of new, and pleasurable, experiences. One of the main problems people with Type 2 diabetes might face is lowered sex drive. This could be due to medication, lack of energy, hormonal changes, or even mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. For men, this lack of libido could also be due to low testosterone, a condition that can be improved with weight loss and testosterone therapy. Another issue is that diabetes restricts blood flow to extremities, which can cause erectile dysfunction (ED). Between 20 percent and 75 percent of men will have problems Continue reading >>
Type 1 Diabetes And Intimacy: Reducing Burden In The Bedroom
Here on Glu, we offer people living with type 1 diabetes the chance to be open and honest, sharing challenges and gaining support from others who know how much this disease can get in the way of life. Having an anonymous forum allows us to gain real perspective on some deeply personal matters. Several months ago, we polled the community on one of our most personal topics to date: physical intimacy. In response, 63% of the community reported that T1D has had a negative effect in this area of their lives, blaming devices, sudden swings in blood sugar, and recurrent infections. Likewise, there is at least one published research study proving that people with diabetes and poor glycemic control reported significantly reduced intimacy and satisfaction in their marriages(1). In a follow-up question, we learned how people’s sex lives have been affected. Here is a list of the most commonly reported problems, and potential strategies for solving them. “My blood glucose is too low for sex.” Having low blood sugar (BG) can interrupt anything; you just have to put everything else on hold and deal with it immediately. As the most commonly mentioned barrier to sex (one user commented that low blood sugar can “really kill the moment”), knowing your BG prior to sex is always a smart idea, as is adjusting any dose of rapid insulin prior to activity. Additionally, having a small snack before any physical activity may help prevent a low. You can also keep some ‘fast carbs’ near the bed, such as juice, gummy snacks, or glucose tabs. If you do experience a low during sex, despite your precautions, openness and communication can be key. If you’re intimate with someone, you should be able to trust them to try to help you in a medical situation, such as a low BG. And expect that Continue reading >>
Sex And Diabetes: You're Not Alone - Glycoleap Blog
What You Need to Know About Sex and Diabetes Its uncommon to discuss sex and diabetes in the same conversation. First, there are few topics as taboo as the topic of sex. Second, out of the millions of adults worldwide who have either Type 1 (T1) or Type 2 (T2)diabetes, half of those withT2 diabetes admit to experiencing sexual dysfunction. Until recent years, research was sparseon this issue. This meant fewer treatments for those affected by sexual dysfunction. Fortunately, thats changing and researchers are spending more time investigating the complications that exist with sex and diabetes.This is necessarybecause pleasurablesex is an important aspect of ahealthy adult life. Today well normalize the topic and discuss how sex is different when you have diabetes. Lets dive right in. For the sake of simplicity, well define sexual dysfunction as any physical or psychological issue that keeps a man or woman from enjoying sexual activity. The following are symptoms of sexual dysfunctionthat can befound in men and women with diabetes: Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse (women) Being in the mood or desiring sex, signals your body to physically prepare for sex. This causes the vaginal walls to expand and become lubricated (for women) and the penis to become erect (for men). When you lack sexual desire, it becomes difficult for the natural physical arousal to occur. And since desire is normally step one in sexualinteraction, a lack of it can entirely prevent a healthy sex life. The cause of a low sex drive can be multidimensional. It may be the result of continuous high blood sugar, menopause (depending on age), stress, taking certain medications, or depression ( which is experienced often in those with diabetes ). Studies also show that many men whohave T2 diabetes, espec Continue reading >>
