Learn about preventive strategies and treatment options for ED with diabetes.
Diabetes is a common cause for ED in older men, and is especially prevalent for those with type 2 diabetes.
Can diabetes cause ED?
ED problems can often be caused by high blood pressure, heart disease, and other conditions, and is also fairly common for men with diabetes. In fact, erectile dysfunction may be one of the first signs of diabetes for many. Although ED is a difficult problem to share with anyone, it’s important to mention that ED is one of the most treatable complications of diabetes, and ED is reversible in a diabetic.
How does diabetes contribute to ED?
Male sexual performance has three stages, the excitement phase, where the man develops an erection that is hard and long lasting enough for congress. The penetration phase, where sexual congress leads to ejaculation, and the ejaculation phase. ED can occur within each and any of these phases, and the causes can be complex, including a range of psychological and physical factors. In the case of diabetes, damage to the corpora cavernosa (the penile arteries) and the nerves that control an erection can contribute to ED problems, as well as hormonal imbalances.
What steps can one take to improve ED problems for a diabetic?
First, it’s critical to control one’s blood sugar level in any case for men with diabetes. One’s intake of sugar and other substances like alcohol should be strictly limited to control the diabetes, and to also improve sexual performance. Specialists will make a thorough diagnosis and inquire about any prescription medications the patient is currently taking. Many types of medications can contribute to ED, including SSRIs like Prozac, diuretics, and alpha and beta blockers, so ED specialists will need to understand what medications for ED can be recommended.
For example, traditional remedies like ginseng and yohimbe can be used in some instances, and PDE5 Inhibitor medications for ED such as Vardenafil (Viagra), Sildenafil (Levitra), and Tadalafil (Cialis) are widely popular and effective. Surgical methods such as penile venous and penile implant procedures are available or men who do not respond to these drugs.
Acoustic wave therapy for ED, with products such as Shockwave or Gainswave, is a relatively recent ED treatment that has met with considerable success, and one that may well prove to be the most effective ED treatment for many men. Shockwave therapy uses soundwaves to stimulate a mechanical and chemical response in the body, inducing new blood vessel formation over time, and also aids in nerve regeneration. Shockwave therapy provides an important alternative to Viagra and other potency drugs, with a longer lasting effect.
If you are a diabetic that is also suffering from the effects of ED, consult with specialists to resolve the problem safely and effectively.