Is There a Link Between Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction?
The answer is yes. Erectile dysfunction — the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex — is common in men who have diabetes, especially those with type 2 diabetes.
In fact, diabetes is considered to be the biggest risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED).
According to a study conducted by the Boston University Medical Center, about half of all men with type 2 diabetes are likely to develop ED within 5-10 years of their diagnosis.
In another study from Diabetic Medicine, data indicated that men with diabetes are three and a half times more likely to develop difficulty maintaining an erection.
In addition, men with diabetes are likely to develop ED 10-15 years earlier than men without diabetes.
How Can Diabetes Cause ED?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body turns food into energy.
Almost all of the food you eat is broken down into sugar (glucose), which is released into the bloodstream. When blood sugar spikes, the pancreas releases insulin in order to process glucose.
When your body either can’t produce enough insulin, or isn't able to process glucose properly, a number of health challenges can emerge, including erectile dysfunction.
Damage to Blood Vessels
Hyperglycemia (too much sugar in the bloodstream) actually decreases your blood vessels’ elasticity, which in turn causes them to narrow. This impedes blood flow and can damage both small and large blood vessels.
This process can inhibit the flow of blood to the penis necessary to achieve and maintain an erection.
Nerve Damage
Hyperglycemia can damage nerves as well.
There are four general types of nerve damage:
Peripheral
Proximal
Focal
Autonomic
Autonomic nerve damage affects the heart, liver, bladder, stomach, intestines, eyes, and sex organs. It is this type that causes erectile dysfunction when it damages nerves that control erection with sexual arousal.
Sometimes ED Is a Red Flag for Other Health Conditions
Obesity, sleep apnea, and hypertension are just some of the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction and are in many cases precursors to a diagnosis of diabetes and/or heart disease.
Being obese or overweight not only increases your risk factor for diabetes, but it can also cause hypertension which damages blood vessels, making it difficult for them to carry blood throughout the vascular system, including to the penis.
Research suggests that sleep apnea may cause a dip in a man’s testosterone and may also restrict oxygen, both of which are necessary for healthy erections.
Next Steps
Talk with your doctor. Because ‘silent’ cardiovascular issues including erectile dysfunction often get overlooked, it’s a good idea to have your doctor test you for both diabetes and heart disease.
Ask about treatments. Oral and other medications, assistive devices, and penile implants are options you and your doctor can discuss.
Better manage your diabetes. Managing blood sugar is key in preventing damage to blood vessels and nerves.
Change your lifestyle. Taking the initiative to make better health choices like stopping smoking, losing that extra weight, limiting alcohol intake, and including physical activity in your daily routine are all effective.
Don’t Hesitate to Address Your Health Challenges
Studies show the longer you have diabetes the better the chance you’ll experience some sort of sexual dysfunction.
The two conditions are interrelated and are serious and when not addressed, they can significantly decrease quality of life.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of ED, it’s important to seek medical help from a doctor with expertise in this field.
The physicians at Norman Urology are dedicated to serving the urological needs of Norman and its surrounding communities. We treat our patients as partners as we discuss symptoms, diagnoses, and possible treatments.
Why not schedule an appointment with us today?