
How to keep sex alive and well when you have diabetes
A chronic illness has a way of throwing a wrench into many aspects of our lives, including sex.
Type 2 diabetes is one such disease in which sexuality is commonly affected and difficulties experienced by both men and women with this condition. Not only can this disease cause sexual complications for both genders, but it can also cause gender-specific issues.
Sexuality issues affecting both men and women
There are several common sexuality problems shared by both men and women with type 2 diabetes. One is a decrease in libido, or loss of sex drive. Low libido in type 2 diabetes can be a result of:
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 numbness, pain, or lack of feeling in the genitals. This may also inhibit the ability to have an orgasm or to feel sexual stimulation. The side effects of diabetic neuropathy may make sex painful or unenjoyable.
To combat the issue of type 2 diabetes negatively affecting a couple's sex life, communication is important. Couples need to open up and feel free to talk about the issue and to seek out a solution to the problem by discussing this with their primary care physician.
Sexuality issues affecting men with type 2 diabetes
The most widely reported sexuality issue by men is erectile dysfunction (ED). Occasionally, a man may first be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when he seeks out treatment for ED. ED is a condition commonly found in men wi
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