Diabetes in men: What you need to know

Men with diabetes will cause certain effects on sexual problems. Learn how to control your blood sugar at a safe level, get regular medical check-ups and get the necessary advice from your treating doctors.

With erectile dysfunction, a man is not able to keep an erection for the duration of sexual intercourse. Men with diabetes are three times more likely to develop ED than the general population. The older a man is, the greater the incidence of ED.
The following are not ED:
Occasional trouble getting an erection: It really happens to everyone. Less interest in sex: ED occurs when a man wants to have sex but cannot get an erection. Problems with ejaculation: it may be due to a problem in the structure of the penis. If erectile dysfunction occurs frequently and affects your sex life, you should see a doctor for advice and treatment.
Men with diabetes are more likely to have heart disease, ED can be a warning sign of blood vessel problems. If you have both heart disease and ED, see your doctor for prompt treatment. Some ED medications aren't safe when taken with certain heart medications, so tell your doctor about any medications you're taking.

High blood sugar or high blood pressure damages the nerves and blood vessels needed for an erection. Certain medications for high blood pressure, depression, or allergies (don't quit, but see your doctor for advice on taking a different medication or reducing your dose). Prostate cancer treatment or prostate swelling

Surgery affecting the pelvis or spinal cord Tobacco or alcohol use Sleep disturbances It is important to see your doctor to find out if any of these causes ED.

For most men, the issue of ED is a delicate and difficult one to talk about. However, more than 95% of men with ED can be successfully treated.
Drugs: If the patient has normal nerve function, drugs can be used to increase blood flow to the penis. Sometimes these medications don't work well for people with diabetes and should NOT be taken by people with heart disease if the heart medication contains nitrates. Be sure to check with your doctor about any possible drug interactions. Testosterone: Sometimes having low testosterone (low T) can cause ED. Men with diabetes are twice as likely to have a low T than men without diabetes. Taking testosterone may help with normal erections or help ED medications work better. However, it can also cause hypoglycemia and hypertension, so make sure to check regularly to detect and control blood sugar and blood pressure. Vacuum Device: This is a plastic tube that fits over the penis, creating a low-pressure vacuum that causes an erection of the penis. An elastic ring is slid into the base of the penis to trap blood and maintain an erection. With this device, about 75% of men can get an erection sufficient for sex. Injections or suppositories: To get an erection just before sex, men can inject drugs into the side of the penis with a very fine needle, or place a small pill into the urethra. Transplant: A transplant is done surgically, which is often recommended if other treatments have not worked. However, if you have trouble controlling your blood sugar, your chances of getting an infection after surgery are higher, and your doctor may advise against the transplant.

Sometimes ED treatment can cause a prolonged erection. If the erection lasts more than 2-4 hours, see your doctor immediately. This very painful condition can lead to permanent complications if not treated promptly.

In addition to ED, nerve damage from diabetes can cause other problems for men, including:
Overactive bladder (frequent urination, nocturia, urine leakage) Urinary incontinence (urine leakage) Urinary tract infection (UTI) Retrograde ejaculation (semen are released into the bladder) This condition warns of the need for a change in diabetes management.

Always keep blood sugar stable or close to the target to avoid damage to nerves and blood vessels. Healthy habits help maintain a healthy life, eat healthy foods, keep your blood sugar in check, control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and see your doctor on time.