Erectile dysfunction is a male-oriented disorder that affects the sexual function of the male. It causes an inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for successful intercourse. A widespread problem among people having chronic diseases such as cancer, high blood pressure, and diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. It damages nerves and blood vessels, which leads to poor long-term blood sugar control.
Men having diabetes might develop erectile dysfunction much earlier than those without diabetes. Trouble in developing or keeping an erection might result in the diagnosis of diabetes. Suffering from erectile dysfunction is a real challenge. It can cause frustration and relationship problems with your partner.
Erectile dysfunction and diabetes are two different conditions; they may go hand in hand. Men suffering from diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop ED.
Diabetes happens when a high amount of sugar is circulating in your bloodstream.
The two major types of diabetes are:
- Type 1 diabetes à affects less than 10 percent of people.
- Type 2 diabetes à occurs in more than 80 percent of people.
Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in men having diabetes
Diabetes causes disruption of healthy sexual function in both men and women via diabetic-induced psychological stress and end-organ damage. There is strong evidence about diabetes and erectile dysfunction in men.
It is expected that about 35% to 75% of men having diabetes might experience at lead some degree of erectile dysfunction during their lifetime.
Erectile dysfunction develops in men with diabetes 10 to 15 years earlier than in men without diabetes. With the increase in the age of men having diabetes, erectile dysfunction becomes more frequent and severe. The chances of erectile dysfunction become 50% to 60% when men age 50. Moreover, this ratio increased up to 95% after the age of 70 years.
Diabetes and erectile dysfunction
Diabetes damages the blood supply to the penis and the nerves that control the erection, ultimately leading to erectile dysfunction. Poorly controlled diabetes can cause erectile dysfunction due to its effect on the bloodstream.
The sexual arousing of men causes the release of nitric oxide into the bloodstream. This nitric oxide leads to the relaxation of arteries and the muscles of the penis, which allows more blood to flow into the penis and gives a man an erection.
Men with diabetes face problems when their blood sugar level swings and don’t manage properly. Due to the high blood sugar level, less nitric oxide is produced, which reduces blood flow toward the penis, which is required to keep an erection. Usually, low levels of nitric oxide are often observed in men having diabetes.
Reasons for erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes
There are complex causes of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes, including damage to muscle functions, nerves, and blood vessels.
To develop a strong erection, men require healthy blood vessels, male hormones and nerves, and sexual stimulation. With diabetes, blood vessels, and nerves become damaged that regulate the erection are. Having normal amounts of male hormones still demands a desire to have sex. If you don’t have the desire, then you may not achieve a firm erection.
Risk factors for erectile dysfunction
Various risk factors increase the chances of complications of diabetes, including ED.
- Inactive lifestyle
- Poor diet
- Obesity
- Anxiety
- Have poorly controlled blood sugar
- Using medications having an ED as a side effect
- Taking prescription drugs for high blood pressure, pain, or depression
- Stress
- Depression
- Smoking
- Drink excessive amounts of alcohol
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Abnormal blood lipid profile
- Low levels of testosterone
- Nervous system disorders, including damage to the spinal cord or brain
- Pelvic injury or surgery on the prostate, bowel, or bladder may cause damage to nerves connected to the penis. This nerve damage can also lead to ed.
ED and diabetes: risk factors and association
Much research suggests that the prevalence of ED in diabetes did not differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Some studies describe a high risk of the emergence of ED in men with type 1 diabetes. Increase age and longer duration of diabetes have been linked with increased risk of ED in diabetic patients.
Tests and diagnosis
Following tests are usually performed by the doctor when there are chances of occurrence of ED.
- Nervous system tests, blood pressure, and sweat tests.
- Tests measure levels of hormones, especially testosterone.
- Blood test to look for the increased blood sugar level that indicates diabetes.
- Urinalysis to check for sugar in urine that shows diabetes.
- Physical examination to look for the genitals and reflexes of nerves in the legs and penis.
- Injecting a drug into the penis to observe the blood supply to the penis is normal.
Lifestyle tips
Controlling diabetes is an excellent way to lower the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Some lifestyle changes include:
- Eating a healthy diet and taking exercise
- Weight loss
- Stress reduction
Treatments
Treatment for ED mostly depends on the cause and a wide variety of natural and other treatments available for ED.
The four most commonly prescribed medicines are:
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Avanafil (Spedra)
Various other treatments include:
- Hormone therapy
- Trimix injection
- Acoustic Wave Therapy
- Stem Cell Therapy
- Priapus Shot Therapy
- Vacuum pump therapy
- Psychological support
Role of American Male Wellness
At American Male Wellness, we treat ED from the root of the problem, and we not only cure ED, but we will reverse your diabetes within 8-12 weeks with our special treatments Made by our medical director and world renounce Dr. Graham Simpson.