DIABETES AND SEX
Introduction:
Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes, is a medical condition associated
with abnormally high levels of glucose (or sugar) in the blood (hyperglycemia).
There are three main forms of diabetes:
1. Type 1-Insulin dependent
2. Type 2 –Insulin non dependent
3. Gestational diabetes
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to complications. In some cases, sexual
performance can be affected by diabetes. Up to fifty per cent of men and twenty-five per
cent of women may experience some kind of sexual problems or a loss of sexual desire as
a result of the condition.
Effect of diabetes on nervous system:
When person want’s to lift arm or take a step, brain sends nerve signals to the appropriate
muscles. Internal organs like the heart and bladder are also controlled by nerve signals,
but do not have the same kind of conscious control over them as doing over arms and
legs. The nerves that control the internal organs are called autonomic nerves, and they
signal in body to digest food and circulate blood without having to think about it. Body's
response to sexual stimuli is also involuntary, governed by autonomic nerve signals that
increase blood flow to the genitals and cause smooth muscle tissue to relax. Damage to
these autonomic nerves is what can hinder normal function.
Effect on sex in men
Effect of diabetes in Erectile Dysfunction
The condition includes the total inability to have an erection, the inability to sustain an
erection, or the occasional inability to have or sustain an erection.
In fact erectile dysfunction may be the first sign that may lead to charactering the blood
that may lead to the diagnosis of diabetes for the first time in many men.
Among men with erectile dysfunction, those with diabetes are likely to have experienced
the problem as much as 10 to 15 years earlier than men without diabetes.
Effect of diabetes in Retrograde Ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculation is a condition in which part or all of a man's semen goes into the
bladder instead of out the penis during ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation occurs when
internal muscles, called sphincters, do not function normally. A sphincter automatically
opens or closes a passage in the body. The semen mixes with urine in the bladder and
leaves the body during urination, without harming the bladder. A man experiencing
retrograde ejaculation may notice that little semen is discharged during ejaculation or
may become aware of the condition if fertility problems arise.
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Diabetes and infertility in men :
Diabetes can lead to oliogospermia and infertility.
Treatment for sexual problems in men due to diabetes:
Many cases can be helped through psychological methods.
Many men are choosing to use drugs to help their arousal, and some successful cases
have been reported of diabetes an ED being aided by Sildenifil citrate, Tadalafil.
It is important to clarify whether any sexual problems are caused by defects in the
nervous or circulatory system as a direct result of the diabetes or whether they are of a
more psychosomatic nature. An increasing number of diabetic men are taking Sildenifil
citrate to restore their potency and there may come a time when diabetic women will
benefit from taking the drug too, include the Caverject and Viridal Duo injections.
Effect on sex in women
Effect on Vaginal Lubrication
Nerve damage to cells that line the vagina can result in dryness, which in turn may lead
to discomfort during sexual intercourse. Discomfort is likely to decrease sexual response
or desire.
Effect on Sexual Response
As many as 35 percent of women with diabetes may experience decreased or absent
sexual response. Decreased desire for sex, inability to become or remain aroused, lack of
sensation, or inability to reach orgasm can result.
Symptoms include
Decreased or total lack of interest in sexual relations
Decreased or no sensation in the genital area
Constant or occasional inability to reach orgasm
Dryness in the vaginal area, leading to pain or discomfort during sexual relations
Vaginal lubricant creams may be useful for women experiencing dryness.
Techniques to treat decreased sexual response include changes in position and
stimulation during sexual relations. Psychological counseling, as well as exercises to
strengthen the muscles that hold urine in the bladder, may be helpful.
Treatment for women in diabetes :
Sildenifil citrate is being prescribed for some women because it increases blood flow to
the vagina, enhances sensation, and increases vaginal lubrication. And there’s actually a
device for women now, called the Eros-CDT (clitoral therapy device), became the first
treatment for female sexual dysfunction. It’s a small pump with a tiny plastic cup that
uses suction to stimulate blood flow to the clitoral area. It can help women reach orgasm,
and it may prevent fibrosis from building up in arteries leading to the clitoris. Vibrator
can also help for sexual arousal in women.
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Complications of diabetes in men and women:
Diabetes causes damage to the walls of the blood vessels, which affects
circulation and blood flow to the penis. In addition, nerve damage can affect
erection quality. ED can also be a side effect of drugs that are often prescribed to
men with diabetes these include some blood pressure-lowering drugs and anti-
depressants.
Complications of diabetes can also throw a wrench into the sexual works.
Diabetes can damage the nerves that control bladder function. Diabetic
neuropathy, for one, can lead to poor bladder control, an inconvenient condition
that certainly doesn’t increase one’s libido. In such cases, it’s a good idea to
urinate before intercourse.
Unpleasant complication of diabetes is frequent vaginal yeast and urinary tract
infections, because bacteria just love the sweet environment that’s present in your
urine and vagina if your sugar’s a little elevated.
Prevention of diabetes-related sexual and urologic problems
Controlling diabetes through diet and exercise can help prevent sexual and urologic
problems.
Treatment is available for sexual and urologic problems.
Lower the risk of sexual and urologic problems by keeping blood glucose, blood
pressure, and cholesterol close to the target numbers which doctor recommends.
Being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight can also help prevent the
long-term complications of diabetes.
Smoking is a particular problem, and quitting will improve health in many ways. For
example, if anyone quit smoking, can lower risk not only for nerve damage but also
for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease
Conclusion :
The initial action one should take it to contact doctor and discuss it with him/her. Often,
these issues can only be addressed by seeking professional help. Most doctors are used to
discussing these types of issues, and will aim to assess whether the problems are physical
or psychological in nature.
If it has been confirmed that the patient's nervous system has not been damaged by their
diabetes and that there are no associated circulatory disturbances, then there is no reason
why their sex life should not recommence with a little help and support from their partner
and doctor. The prevalence’s of obesity, central obesity and diabetes in our community
are extremely high, and central obesity is a better predictor of diabetes than obesity.
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