How Diabetes Affects Sexual Function
Diabetes can affect sexual function, and as uncomfortable as it may sound, you may need to discuss this with your doctor (and certainly with your partner). To help you out, I have done research to bring you information about this most sensitive of subjects. First of all, having any chronic disease may in itself cause anxiety, which can result in sexual dysfunction. But having said that, it is also true that diabetics do report more sexual dysfunction than the populations at large. In his book Talking About Sex (American Psychiatric Press, Inc., 1995), Derek C. Polonsky, MD states that 20% of people with diabetes, both men and women, report sexual dysfunction. Please read the following with an open mind, not looking for something bad which will happen to you or a loved one. Rather use it as a tool to make you better informed, and more able to talk to the professionals in your life who can help when you need it. As Dr. Polonsky says, "What starts out as a physical problem is compounded by the emotional reaction to it." This article is shared to help all of us deal with the physical before this occurs. Research on Diabetes and Sexual Dysfunction There is more research on sexual dysfunction in males than females. In males, current research points to the need to develop a comprehensive biopsychosocial evaluation and treatment of diabetic patients with sexual dysfunction because of the high incidence of major depression and anxiety disorders noted in impotent men with neuropathy as compared to those who did not have depression, anxiety, or impotence, but had neuropathy. One caveat here is that just learning to cope with a chronic disease may cause psychiatric problems which may lead to lack of compliance, and may snowball into chronic complications, and so the process feeds o Continue reading >>
Diabetes And Female Sexuality
Sexuality not only implies sexual activity but includes the full spectrum of sexual topics which are dependent upon the medical, psychological and sociocultural aspects of a woman. Sexuality covers not only actual sexual activity, but thoughts about sex, physical attributes, and desire for sexual activity. Related issues include fertility and contraception. What is sexual dysfunction? Sexual dysfunction refers to a problem occurring during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the individual or couple from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity. The sexual response cycle traditionally includes excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. Desire and arousal are both part of the excitement phase of the sexual response. Research suggests that sexual dysfunction is common, but many people are hesitant to discuss it. Because treatment options are available, it is important to share your concerns with your partner and health care provider. What are the types of sexual dysfunction? Sexual dysfunction generally is classified into four categories: Desire disorders: Lack of sexual desire or interest in sex Arousal disorders: Inability to become physically aroused or excited during sexual activity Orgasm disorders: Delay or absence of orgasm (climax) Pain disorders: Pain during intercourse What are the symptoms of sexual dysfunction in women? Inability to achieve orgasm Inadequate vaginal lubrication before and during intercourse Inability to relax the vaginal muscles enough to allow intercourse Lack of interest in or desire for sex Inability to become aroused Pain with intercourse How does diabetes affect sexuality? It is fairly well-known that diabetes and complications can affect the sexuality in men, but it is true for women, also. Women are starting Continue reading >>
10 Essential Sex Tips For Diabetics
What's going on with your blood sugar can have a huge impact on how you feel between the sheets—and not in a good way. "Medical conditions such as diabetes can cause your sex life to take a plunge," says Lauren Streicher, MD, an assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, and author of Slip Sliding Away: A Gynecologist's Guide to Turning Back the Clock on Your Sex Life. "As a diabetic, you have multiple obstacles for achieving a satisfying sex life that other people don't have." The good news is that once you understand how to deal with the symptoms that may be putting a damper on your sex life, you can boost your sexual satisfaction big time. Here's help: 1. Find some new toys. If sex feels a little (or a lot) less intense lately, diabetes may be to blame. "Diabetics often have decreased blood flow to the vagina because of blood vessel changes, which leads to less arousal and sensation," says Streicher. "Studies show that diabetics don't orgasm as easily as others due to vascular changes and nerve damage." In short: What used to work for you in terms of reaching orgasm may not be working any more, so it's time to try something new. The quickest way to get the stimulation you need is with a vibrator. "Make sure the model you use offers clitoral stimulation, because it won't help much to have something hard or overly powerful inside your vagina," Streicher says. Here are 18 sex toys experts use—and love. 2. Pay attention to pH. Increased blood sugar levels can throw the pH balance of your vagina out of whack, upping your odds of chronic vaginal infections. "When pH goes up, the healthy lactobacilli in your vagina can no longer survive, and you get bad bacteria growth like bacterial vaginosis and Continue reading >>
What To Do When Diabetes Affects Your Sex Life
Men living with diabetes have enough on their plate. They need to monitor their blood glucose level, blood pressure and, most likely, severalmedications. If this is you, and youre experiencing problemsinyour sex life, theres a good chance yourefeeling anxious, frustrated and depressed. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy You may know that erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or maintain an erection . But did you know that ED is common among men who have diabetes ? This conditioncan stem from problems caused by poor long-term blood sugar control, which damages nerves and blood vessels. ED also can be linked to other conditions common in men with diabetes , such as high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. The same elevated blood glucose level that causes blood vessel and nerve damage in other parts of the body also can lead to complications in blood flow and nerve damage to the penis, says Kevin Borst, DO , an endocrinologist at Lakewood Hospitals Diabetes and Endocrine Center . Approximately half of all men living with diabetes will experience erectile dysfunction at some point, Dr. Borst says. Even if theres a medical reason behind it, ED can leave any man and his partner feeling frustrated and discouraged. If you or a loved one are experiencing ED, you are not alone. And you can take steps to cope. Tell your doctor whats going on. Your doctor will consider the underlying causes of your ED and can give you information about medication and other ED treatments. Ask what you need to do to control diabetes. Careful blood sugar control can prevent nerve and blood vessel damage that can lead to ED. Appropriately man 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 >>
How Does Diabetes Affect Your Sex Life?
Having diabetes affects much more than a person's diet - it can impact every aspect of their life, including their sexual health. Similarly, it is not just the physical side effects of diabetes that cause problems. Diabetes can have an impact on a person's mental health, their sex drive, and their self-esteem. How does diabetes impact the sexual organs? Diabetes can affect the sexual health of both men and women in the following ways: Impact on women Damage caused by diabetes to the nerves can affect a woman's ability to sense sexual stimulation and arousal. This can affect the release of vaginal lubricant, which may result in painful sex and reduced ability to experience an orgasm. When a woman who has diabetes goes through the menopause, she may experience sudden drops in her blood sugar levels. This may affect a woman's sexual health because she may have to check her blood sugar before having sex. She might also experience symptoms of low blood sugar during sex. This may make sex seem more of an inconvenience than a pleasure. Women with diabetes are also more likely to experience infections, such as thrush, cystitis, and urinary tract infections. These can all impact the ability to have sexual intercourse. Impact on men Men with diabetes often have reduced testosterone levels, which can affect their sex drive. However, the main sexual health problem affecting men who have diabetes is an inability to achieve and, or, maintain an erection. According to the Joslin Diabetes Center, an estimated 50 percent of men who have had diabetes for 10 years experience erectile dysfunction (ED). In order for a man to achieve an erection, significant blood flow to the penis is required. However, diabetes damages the blood vessels, which can affect blood flow to the penis. Diabetes ca Continue reading >>
Better Sex With Diabetes
WebMD Feature Reviewed by Michael Dansinger, MD Diabetes doesn't have to feel like a third -- and unwanted -- party in bed. You can deal with things like low blood sugar, vaginal dryness, or erection problems by looking at them as hurdles you can overcome, instead of roadblocks that put a stop to sex. Planning ahead can ease some of the challenges. You may associate prep work more with house painting than with having sex, but it can make intimacy more relaxed. Also remember that taking good care of your diabetes is the No. 1 way to prevent or limit sexual issues with diabetes. These tricks and tips can also make sex easier and more fun. 10 Strategies for Better Sex Approach sex like exercise. This helps prevent dreaded blood sugar lows. "Hypoglycemic events during sex are a real buzzkill," says Kerri Morrone Sparling, the author of Balancing Diabetes: Conversations About Finding Happiness and Living Well, who blogs about her life with type 1 diabetes. "Your body just shuts down during a low, so it crushes the enjoyment." If you use insulin, check your blood sugar before sex and have a snack if it's low. For more fun, incorporate snacks into foreplay. Try strawberries or a little ice cream or chocolate. Just go with it. Planning can be helpful, but don't sweat it if sex just happens. "There's no reason not to grab the opportunity if it pops up just because you haven't followed your diabetes exercise routine," says Scott K. Johnson, a diabetes advocate who blogs about his life with type 1 diabetes. Just check your glucose level after. Use a lubricant. If you are a woman with vaginal dryness, a vaginal lubricant can make sex feel better. Ask your doctor about using one regularly, not just during sex. "Think of it like hand cream," says Janis Roszler, a diabetes educator in Continue reading >>
How Type 2 Diabetes Can Affect Your Sex Life
Individuals with type 2 diabetes may avoid developing complications of the disease by keeping their blood glucose as steady as possible. Nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy, is one of the most serious side effects of type 2 diabetes, affecting everything from your hands and feet to your brain, heart, and more. There are four significant types of diabetic neuropathy, including autonomic neuropathy, which can cause sexual dysfunction. If you're experiencing decreased sexual satisfaction with diabetes, autonomic neuropathy is likely to blame. Try these tips to reclaim your love life. Why Nerve Damage Causes Sexual Dysfunction Poor glucose control causes diabetic neuropathy, which affects the nerves of the sexual organs. According to Deena Adimoolam, MD, assistant professor of diabetes, endocrinology, and bone disease at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage in blood vessels and nerves, which affects sexual health. "Poor blood sugar control has a big impact on the person's sex life," she adds. For women, nerve damage can lead to decreased stimulation, which means the vagina may not produce enough lubrication to allow for easy intercourse. This in turn creates a cascading number of problems, notes Dr. Adimoolam. Sexual problems in women include decreased vaginal lubrication, painful intercourse, and diminished libido or desire, she explains. A study published in August of 2012 found that women who take insulin injections to treat diabetes are twice as likely to report sexual dissatisfaction as women without the condition. A study published in August 2012 in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology reported that women who do not treat their diabetes with insulin are still 40 percent less satisfied with their sex lives Continue reading >>
Is Sex Good For Your Heart Health?
Both my husband and I are over 60 and have type 2 diabetes. He lost interest in sex a few years back, I think because he couldnt get erections. I dont really miss sex. It wasnt that great for me, anyway. But Ive been reading that sex is good for your health and that it prevents heart attacks. Is this really true? Does sex help diabetes? Should we try to be sexual because its good for us? Most of the studies saying that sex prevents heart attacks or things like that are population studies, sometimes called epidemiological studies. For example, scientists at the New England Research Institute in Massachusetts tracked the sexual activity of about 1000 men ages 40 to 70. They found that those who had sex twice a week had only half the risk of heart attack, compared to men who had less sex. In another study, scientists at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania tested the saliva of 112 college students who reported their frequency of sex. Those having sex two to three times a week had higher levels of IgA, an immune molecule that fights infection, than those who were abstinent or had sex less than once week. Writing on Web MD, health journalist Kathleen Doheny described a study in the journal Biological Psychology, wherein researchers reported that couples who lived together and had frequent sex tended to have lower diastolic blood pressure. Population studies prove nothing about cause, though. Did men have fewer heart attacks because they were having more sex, or were they having more sex because they were healthier? Maybe having stronger immune systems led the Pennsylvania students to have more sex, rather than the other way around. These studies are not strong evidence that sex improves health. Different kinds of studies provide stronger evidence. If you look at what happens i 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 >>
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 >>
Sexual Health
A healthy sexual relationship can be an important part of someone's life. When things go wrong, whether or not we have diabetes, many of us find it hard to accept that there might be a problem. It’s important to know support available. While most people with diabetes, both male and female, are able to lead completely normal sex lives, diabetes may contribute to sexual problems for some people The most common problem is erectile dysfunction in men (also known as impotence) which results in the inability to get or keep an erection long enough for intercourse. Ejaculation may or may not be affected. Fertility remains normal Both men and women with diabetes may also lose their sexual desire when their blood glucose levels are high Most men have an occasional problem with erectile dysfunction at some time in their life. This can be caused by many factors including being tired, stressed, and depressed or drinking too much alcohol. Some medications may also cause erectile dysfunction. This can include medications taken for high blood pressure, depression or stomach ulcers. It’s important to always tell your doctor about any medications you may be taking for other conditions. Reduced blood flow and nerve damage to the penis are generally the underlying reasons for erectile dysfunction for men with diabetes. Often men with diabetes who have the condition also have other complications related to nerve damage or blood circulation problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease. Erectile dysfunction can be treated in a number of ways including: Tablets (e.g. Viagra, Cialis and Levitra) Prostaglandin injection into the side of the penis (e.g. Caverject) Devices such as the vacuum pump Surgery such as penile implants While tablets are easy to take, they m Continue reading >>
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 >>
Sex And Diabetes
When my neighbor Leon was diagnosed with diabetes, he had one fear. “Sex is very important to me,” he said. “And to my wife, Carol. Will I still be able to have sex with diabetes?” Leon has a legitimate concern. According to some estimates, up to 75% of men and 50% of women with diabetes develop sexual problems at some point. But the answer is yes. Leon and Carol may have to make some changes, but they can have good sex with diabetes. You can too. Diabetes’ effect on sex Poorly controlled diabetes can hurt your love life in several ways. • High blood sugars can block blood vessels and damage nerves in the genital organs. These complications can prevent or weaken erections and ejaculation in men. They can dry up lubrication, cause painful intercourse, or prevent orgasm in women. • Hormonal changes such as low testosterone levels can take away sexual desire. Men with diabetes are twice as likely to have a low testosterone level as men without diabetes. • Diabetes-related symptoms, such as fatigue, numbness, or pain, may make sex difficult or less pleasurable. • The psychological effects of diabetes may stop people’s sexuality. “Such things as feeling unattractive, blaming yourself for diabetes, and depression may damage both sexual desire and function. So can stress over health, money problems, and family issues,” I noted after hearing a talk by sexologist Dr. Mitchell Tepper. • The effects of medications, especially drugs for high blood pressure and depression, can interfere with sexual function and desire. • Low blood glucose can also interfere with sexual experiences. Like any exercise, sex can cause blood sugar to drop. It’s hard to function with low blood sugar. Maybe check your sugar before starting to get romantic. So there are a lot o Continue reading >>
Sex And Type 1 Diabetes
Editor’s note: Contains adult content Know Your Blood Sugar Levels Before and After Let’s be real. Sex is a unique form of physical exercise in that most of us usually look forward to doing it. Like any other activity that requires physical exertion, getting it on will most likely affect your blood sugar levels. If you find yourself dripping in sweat and can hear your own heartbeat, you might be really into your partner; however, there’s also a chance that your blood sugar has spiked and dropped. It’s good practice to check your blood sugar levels before, during and after you have sex — get creative and think about incorporating this into foreplay and post coital cuddling. Maintain Blood Glucose Levels In The Moment Stock Your Nightstand: Part of what makes sex fun is its unpredictability. That said, it’s important to expect the unexpected in the bedroom if you have Type 1 diabetes. Stock your nightstand with quick fix supplies, such as juice boxes, granola bars and glucose tablets. Having these things an arm’s reach away will allow you to quickly recalibrate your blood sugar if it drops during sex. Take Breaks: It’s totally reasonable to hit pause in the middle of sex if you experience fatigue and sense a drop in your blood sugar. Check your insulin and eat a snack before you get back to having fun. Listen to your body and let your partner know if you need a moment to refuel. Think About What You’re Drinking: Alcohol can play a role in dramatic drops in blood sugar levels. If you choose to mix drinking and sex, stick to white wine, champagne or other beverages with high sugar contents to keep your blood sugar in check. Consider Wearing a Continuous Glucose Monitor: Continuous glucose monitors are devices approved by the FDA that keep track of your blo Continue reading >>
