Erectile dysfunction is a common problem for men who have diabetes — but it’s not inevitable. Consider prevention strategies, treatment options and more.
Erectile dysfunction is a common complication of diabetes. In fact, men who have diabetes are three times more likely to have erectile dysfunction as are other men, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Left untreated, erectile dysfunction can leave you feeling frustrated, discouraged or depressed. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Take an active role in treating — or preventing — erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an adequate erection for satisfying sexual activity. Your penis may simply fail to become or stay hard enough to have sex. Any man can develop erectile dysfunction. Causes are varied, from fatigue, stress or depression to trauma and medication use.
But when you have diabetes, there’s more to the story.
- Excess sugar (glucose) in your blood can damage the nerves and blood vessels responsible for erections. Your brain might be ready to have sex, but that information isn’t relayed to your penis — so it doesn’t respond.
- Conditions that often accompany diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease, can narrow or harden your blood vessels. This may reduce blood flow to your penis, which makes it tough to achieve or maintain an erection.
- Poor blood sugar control can inhibit the release of a chemical known as nitric oxide. Too little nitric oxide may hamper blood flow to your penis, which — again — makes it tough to achieve or maintain an erection.
Up to an estimated 85 percent of men who have diabetes may experience erectile dysfunction, according to the NIDDK. The longer you’ve had diabetes and the more severe it is, the more likely you are to have trouble with erections.