Men, Diabetes and Sex

Up to 75% of men with diabetes experience some type of difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. Erection is a cooperative effort between nerves and blood vessels. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage to nerves (peripheral neuropathy) and blood vessels, impairing their ability to work together. The key to managing erectile dysfunction related to diabetes is to control your blood sugars! Medications can be used, including Viagra, Muse and Papavarine. Pumps can improve blood flow to the penis, and implants are a last option if other, more conservative measures were ineffective. However, despite the best efforts of man and machine, no medication or device will truly compensate for permanent damage caused by out of control blood sugars. Your physician or urologist can help find the best approach to treat the dysfunction, but the onus remains on you, to follow your diet plan, take your medications and lose the excess weight, to better control your sugars.