Diabetes, if not controlled properly, is a major cause of sexual difficulties for both men and women. However, like so many of the complications related to diabetes, these difficulties can be preventable through proper management of the disease.
The onset of sexual problems related to diabetes is usually gradual and is connected with nerve damage. For men, it can cause the loss of the ability to have an erection. This is known as erectile dysfunction or ED. They may also experience low testosterone levels that result in a loss of interest in sex and a condition known as retrograde ejaculation where semen goes into the bladder. For women, the sexual problems of diabetes can cause complications with loss of sensation, difficulty with lubrication and delayed orgasm.
Early diagnosis of diabetes and proper treatment once it is diagnosed are critical in preventing sexual problems. Once problems arise, they are likely not reversible. While it is important to prevent these problems if possible, communication is the key to resolving the problems if you start to have any of the conditions mentioned in this article. Some people may find it difficult to talk openly about sexual matters, but it is a necessity to determine whether some type of corrective treatment is needed. Your doctor, Walgreens pharmacist or diabetes educator are accustomed to listening to your most sensitive concerns, so discussing sexual matters is welcomed and acceptable. A wide range of effective treatment options to address sexual problems are available today, and by communicating openly with a health care professional, the right course of action can be determined.
