Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It can be a sign of health problems. Diabetes is one cause of ED.
Causes
High blood sugar levels from diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels throughout your body. This damage often affects the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ED can vary. They might not happen right away. They might happen only occasionally or happen more often over time. The symptoms might be:
- Trouble getting an erection
- Trouble keeping an erection
- Reduced sexual desire
Risk factors
You are more likely to develop ED if you:
- Have diabetes
- Have high blood pressure
- Are overweight
- Smoke
- Do not exercise
Complications
ED can be a sign of a more serious health problem, such as heart disease or diabetes. If you have ED, talk to your doctor.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to:
- Reduce or manage health conditions that can cause ED
- Increase blood flow to the penis
- Increase sexual desire
Your doctor might prescribe medicine to treat ED. These medicines can be taken by mouth or injected into the penis. They can also be placed in the urethra at the tip of the penis.
Prevention
You can lower your risk of ED by:
- Exercising
- Eating a healthy diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol use
- Managing stress