Diabetes and Sexual Health: Understanding the Connection

It is important to recognize and address sexuality issues that affect people with diabetes. Diabetes can cause sexual complications for both sexes. Sexual health problems affect both men and women. A common sexual health problem seen in people with diabetes is decreased libido, or loss of sex drive.

• Causes of low libido associated with diabetes include:
• High Blood Pressure Or Depression
• Lack Of Energy In The Body
• Depression
• Hormonal Changes
• Stress And Anxiety

Read more - (4 Health conditions that can harm your sex life)

Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage associated with diabetes that can cause sexual problems. There may also be numbness, pain in the genitals or lack of desire to have sex. It can also cause erectile dysfunction (ED).

It is very important for a couple to talk about any sexual issue. Lack of communication can harm the sexual and intimate side of the relationship. Sometimes, couples find it easier to discuss the issue rather than finding a solution.
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The biggest sexual health problem for men with diabetes is ED. Sometimes it may happen that when a person goes for treatment for ED, he comes to know that he has diabetes. The problem of not achieving an erection until ejaculation may be caused by damage to nerves, muscles or vascular structures.

According to a study conducted in 2017, nearly half of men with diabetes experience ED at some point. Side effects of some diabetes medications can alter testosterone levels, which can also lead to ED. Other problems that occur with diabetes can also cause ED. As - :

• Obesity
• High Blood Pressure
• Depression And Anxiety
• Being Inactive Or Not Getting Enough Exercise

Retrograde Ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculation is another sexual health problem that men can experience as a complication of diabetes. This occurs when semen is ejaculated into the bladder instead of out of the penis. This occurs due to your internal sphincter muscles not working properly. These muscles are responsible for opening and closing passages in the body. Abnormally high glucose levels due to diabetes can result in nerve damage to the sphincter muscle, leading to retrograde ejaculation.

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For women, the most common sexual health problem that comes with diabetes is vaginal dryness. This may be the result of hormonal changes or decreased blood flow to the genitals. Women who have diabetes have increased rates of vaginal infections and inflammation. Both of these can make sex painful. Bladder nerve damage can also cause urinary incontinence during sex. Women with diabetes are also more likely to develop urinary tract infections (UTIs). This can also make sex painful and uncomfortable.

Sexual problems that occur with diabetes can be frustrating and cause anxiety but you can still try to maintain an active sex life despite having diabetes. Lifestyle changes, medications, and talking to your partner are some of the things that may prove helpful. Here are some ways to help you:
Have Sex During The Day
If low energy and fatigue are a problem, try having sex at different times of the day when your energy is at its peak. Night time may not always be the right time. After a long day, and with the added fatigue that comes with diabetes, sex may not be good at night. Therefore, try to have sex in the morning or afternoon.
Use Lubricant To Remove Dryness
Use lubricants to deal with vaginal dryness. Water-based lubricants are best.
Improve Libido Through Medication
Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) can help both men and women deal with problems like low libido, vaginal dryness, and ED. Ask your doctor if you can try this therapy. HRT can come in the form of:

• Pills
• Patch
• Cream
• Injectable Drugs

Stay Healthy For Sex
Maintain good overall health for a healthy sex life. For people with diabetes, this includes maintaining proper blood sugar levels. Sex is an exercise in the sense that it uses energy, so be mindful of your glucose levels. If you are using medications that increase the amount of insulin in your body, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can also occur during sex. It would also be a good idea to get your blood sugar levels checked before engaging in sexual activity. Also keep in mind that what's good for your heart is also good for your genitals. Sexual arousal, vaginal lubrication, and erection all have a great impact on blood flow. Adopt a lifestyle that promotes good heart health and proper blood circulation. Participating in regular physical activity can improve your energy levels, mood and body image.
Talk To Your Doctor About It
Discuss sexual health issues with your doctor. Don't be afraid to discuss the sexual side effects of medications. Also, feel free to ask about ED medications.

Focus On Your Relationship
Pay full attention to your relationship. When you don't feel like having sex for a long time, try other ways to express intimacy like -

• Massage Each Other
• To Bath
• Incorporating Foreplay Into Your Sex

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A healthy and active sex life is important for your quality of life. Diabetes can make sexual activity more challenging, but that doesn't mean you have to give up having sex or showing affection. When diabetes is cured, sexual problems resolve themselves. If you stay healthy and communicate with your partner and health care professional about any issues, you can maintain a healthy sex life.