Nearly all major studies pertaining to diabetes and erectile dysfunction support the findings that men with diabetes are at a far higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED) within 10-15 years of developing the disease. Studies have also shown that men with diabetes are three times more likely to develop ED.
According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, between 35 and 50 percent of men with diabetes will experience erectile dysfunction at some point during their lives. There are, however, men that have diabetes and don’t develop sexual dysfunction. These men are the ones that keep good control of their sugar levels, exercise on a regular basis and work with their doctors in establishing a healthy lifestyle. Because severe erectile dysfunction among diabetes patients is much greater, and quality of life is greatly affected, it is important to promptly address sexual health concerns with a doctor. The sooner ED is diagnosed and treated, the better.
This is true because:
- Identifying and treating the problem will prevent further damage
- Disuse of an organ, such as the penis, can cause the loss of healthy tissue; leading to a progressive loss of erectile function. Disuse of the organ, or “disuse atrophy,” is important in the case of penile health.
- Treating Erectile Dysfunction can lead to a more fulfilling sex life ad greater satisfaction in other aspects of life- leading to better overall health.
Discussing health concerns, and sexual health concerns alike, is important regardless of your age. The May 27, 2008, issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), emphasizes the importance of encouraging men to discuss erectile dysfunction with their physicians, and of focusing treatment on overcoming sexual dysfunction while improving overall cardiovascular health.
In addition to cardiovascular health, managing blood sugar levels is key to health and sexual function. Poor control of blood sugar levels can and often does result in continued damage of nerves and blood vessels, rendering many diabetic men impotent and quite frustrated with the problem at hand. The good news is: there are treatment options out there that have proven successful in men suffering from diabetic erectile dysfunction.
From the same article in JACC, Dr. Kloner, a professor of medicine at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, explains that “In diabetic patients, it is important to not only control the blood sugar level, but also to keep blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg and reduce ‘bad’ (low-density-lipoprotein, or LDL) cholesterol to less than 100 mg/dL.”
Tests for Erectile Dysfunction can be simple and painless. These tests determine whether blood flow to the penis has been affected. Biothesiometry is used as a screening test to effectively determine if there is any decrease in function of the nerves, such as neuropathy commonly seen in patients with diabetes, post-prostatic or other invasive pelvic surgery. Another test, known as a Doppler Ultrasound, uses an ultrasonic beam emitted from a Doppler probe to determine the level of blood flow to the penis. Both tests are non-invasive and can help your doctor determine whether or not you show signs of ED.
It is important to discuss every aspect of your health with your doctor. If you have diabetes and have not had problems with your sexual function, it’s always a good idea to take time to talk to your doctor about preventative measures.
