Diabetes with ED

January 23, 2008

Erectile dysfunction and diabetes

The solution

Most men experience episodes of erectile dysfunction from time to time, but you’re not doomed to a lifetime of erectile dysfunction just because you have diabetes. Take action today!

• Control your blood sugar level. Good blood sugar control can prevent the nerve and blood vessel damage that leads to erectile dysfunction. If you’re having trouble controlling your blood sugar level or following your diabetes treatment plan, talk to your doctor.
• Manage your medications. If you’re taking any medications that may be contributing to erectile dysfunction — such as certain drugs used to treat depression or high blood pressure — ask your doctor about changing your treatment plan.
• Stop smoking. Smoking and using other types of tobacco narrows your blood vessels. This contributes to blockages that can lead to erectile dysfunction. Smoking can also decrease nitric oxide levels, which may hamper blood flow to your penis.
• Limit how much alcohol you drink. Drinking too much alcohol — more than two drinks a day — can damage your blood vessels and make erectile dysfunction more likely.
• Reduce stress. Stress can hamper your erections. To keep stress under control, evaluate and prioritize your tasks. Set realistic expectations, deadlines and limits — and ask for help when you need it.
• Get physical. Regular exercise can keep your arteries clear, boost your stamina and more. If you’re not motivated to exercise on your own, team up with a buddy or join a sports league.
• Fight fatigue. If you’re well rested, you’re less likely to struggle with erectile dysfunction.
• Deal with anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression can cause erectile dysfunction. Even the fear of having erectile problems can make erectile dysfunction worse. If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. Treatment is available.
• Consider erectile dysfunction drugs. Your doctor may recommend oral medication to treat erectile dysfunction. Choices may include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) or vardenafil (Levitra). These drugs aren’t safe for all men, however, especially those who take nitrates to treat heart disease or alpha blockers to treat prostate enlargement or high blood pressure.
• Ask about other treatment options. Pills aren’t the only way to treat erectile dysfunction. You may insert a tiny suppository into the tip of your penis to help relax smooth muscle tissue and increase blood flow to your penis. You may inject medication directly into the base of your penis to increase blood flow and cause an erection. Or you may use a vacuum device to draw blood into your penis and create an erection. In some cases, a surgical implant inside your penis may be recommended.

Talking about erectile dysfunction can be embarrassing. But don’t let embarrassment keep you from enjoying a healthy sexual relationship with your partner. Work closely with your diabetes treatment team to prevent erectile dysfunction or keep it from interfering with your sex life.

Tag’s: Erectile dysfunction | Diabetes

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