Having diabetes can affect much more than your diet, exercise, and daily routine. It can have a dramatic impact on every aspect of life, including your sex life.

Sexual dysfunction is a common health issue in people with diabetes, and it affects both men and women.

There are a number of reasons people with diabetes experience sexual dysfunction

  • Having diabetes and an additional chronic condition – obesity, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and depression can indirectly cause erectile dysfunction (ED), adversely affect libido (sex drive), or lead to the use of drugs that affect libido and sexual function as well.
  • Emotional health concerns – the time and energy spent managing diabetes and related conditions may lead to a disinterest in sex.
  • Hormonal changes – a decrease in hormones such as testosterone and estrogen can affect sexual function.
  • Reduced blood flow – damage to blood vessels can reduce blood flow. If the blood vessels aren’t functioning properly or if an artery is blocked, not enough blood will travel to the genital system making it difficult to get an erection in men and causing vaginal dryness in women.
  • Medication side effects – certain drugs for managing high blood pressure, depression, or anxiety can lower sexual desire.
  • Nerve damage – high levels of glucose can eventually damage nerves resulting in possible decreased sexual sensation and even painful intercourse.

Chronic high blood glucose may lead to sexual problems

Loss of desire for sex – this is commonly associated with poorly managed diabetes. Lowering blood sugar levels may help resolve the issue.

Difficulty in arousal – having the desire for intimate relations but being unable to respond may be as a result of medication, or poor management of diabetes which can damage blood vessels and nerves.

Inability to reach orgasm – medication, nerve damage, and reduced blood flow can result in having a hard time reaching an orgasm.

Sex-related pain or infections after sex – is an indication that something is not right. It is important to discuss issues of painful sex with your doctor or diabetes support team.

If your sex life is not where it should be – here are some important tips for you

Diabetes does not have to ruin your sex life, but understandably it is an issue that is poorly diagnosed and treated because of the embarrassment and discomfort around talking about intimate issues. It is important that you be open with your diabetes care team about all your health issues including sexual issues as they can often be treated and may also be associated with other health conditions.

  • Once you share your problem with your health care provider, you have already fought half of the battle
  • Improve glucose control
  • Quit smoking
  • Examine the possibility of helping you and your partner deal with the emotional stress that may impair sexual function
  • Consider making lifestyle changes. Manage your diabetes with the Dario App, including eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and reducing stress.

Note that there are treatment options for both men and women that can help resume an active enjoyable sex life. A good sex life leads to better health—and better health leads to good sex.

 

https://health.cleveland clinic.org/the-link-between-diabetes-and-sexual-dysfunction/

https://www.diabetes.org/ diabetes/complications/sex-diabetes

 

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