What Treatments Are Available For Men With Diabetes And Erectile Dysfunction
Men with diabetes having trouble with achieving and/or maintaining an erection can take oral medications like avanafil , sildenafil , tadalafil , or vardenafil .
However, because people with diabetes also tend to have problems with their heart, these medications may not be appropriate and could cause dangerous interactions with some heart medicines. Talk to your doctor to determine what treatment is best.
Additional treatments men with diabetes might want to consider include intracavernous injection therapy, vacuum erection devices, venous constriction devices , intraurethral therapy, penile prostheses , and sex therapy.
So what treatment is best? It depends on many factors including a man’s health and theirà ability to tolerate the treatment. Ask your doctor if you should see a specialist to determine the best treatment for your situation.
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Erectile Dysfunction Treatment For Type 2 Diabetes
Erectile dysfunction is an extremely common issue. It impacts guys of any ages, from their 20s to elderly people. Nowadays, the issue can be treated with pills, shots or other drugs that are taken by mouth. But there are also some natural treatments you may want to try first for erectile dysfunction before considering medications. Erectile Dysfunction Treatment For Type 2 Diabetes
It is not uncommon to experience problems with erections sometimes. However, if it takes place consistently as well as interferes with a persons life, they can try various treatments.
Sometimes, Erectile Dysfunction has a physical cause, such as a treatable health and wellness condition or circulation trouble. Dealing with any type of hidden problems will certainly assist. Individuals can take steps to enhance their flow, such as doing regular workout, stopping smoking cigarettes , as well as making nutritional modifications.
Assessment Of Sexual Function
Erectile function was assessed by completing the IIEF-5 which consists of Items 5, 15, 4, 2 and 7 from the full-scale IIEF-15., The abbreviated score was used for its simplicity and immediacy. ED was classified according to the sum score: a score of 21 or less indicates the presence of ED: mild ED , mild to moderate ED , moderate ED , and severe ED . In addition, participants were asked whether or not they had sought medical help for their ED problem and about previous use of medical treatments for ED.
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Ed Drugs And Diabetes
Erectile dysfunction treatments are generally well tolerated, even by people with diabetes if they are in otherwise generally good health.
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors , like Cialis and Viagra , are the first-line treatment options for people with diabetes and ED.
Penile injections of vasoactive drugs, like alprostadil, are commonly used as a second-line medical treatment when PDE5i has failed. Alprostadil is also available as a urethral suppository for those who prefer a non-injectable form of therapy.
Despite the effectiveness of drug therapy for ED, it is important to manage your diabetes with medication and lifestyle changes otherwise, your ED will likely progress in spite of drug treatment. Additionally, ED drugs may increase your heart rate or interact with other drugs that you are taking, so you should never start taking these drugs without first consulting with your healthcare provider.
ED drugs are generally not recommended for people with severe cardiovascular disease or urinary tract issues. Therefore, people with diabetes should talk with their healthcare provider about their risk for kidney problems and heart disease prior to starting any ED medication.
Diabetes & Erectile Dysfunction: Did You Know There’s A Connection
At first consideration, it may not seem as though erectile dysfunction and diabetes are related.
However, each affect just about the same number of men in the U.S. around 18 million men and both are becoming increasingly more common.
Coincidence? Nope.
“It’s easy to brush health warnings off, especially those related to conditions without symptoms, like early-stage diabetes. But what if I told you that getting your blood sugar under control could be the difference between having a healthy sex life and having trouble getting an erection at a very young age?” asks Dr. Nathan Starke, a urologist specializing in men’s health at Houston Methodist.
“The reality is that diabetes and erectile dysfunction are intimately related. Poor blood sugar control can permanently ruin sexual function at a very early age,” Dr. Starke adds.
In fact, a 2007 study found that 90% of men with erectile dysfunction either had diabetes or at least one of the risk factors for it, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking.
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Ed And Diabetes: Risk Factors And Association
Diabetes mellitus is one of the predominant risk factors of erectile dysfunction and also one of the most difficult to treat. Approximately 50% of diabetic men will suffer from ED within 10 years of the diagnosis. Epidemiological studies suggest that both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are associated with an increased risk of ED, which is reported to occur in =50% of men with diabetes worldwide . The occurrence of ED is 1015 years earlier in men with diabetes , moreover, ED is more severe and less responsive to oral drugs in diabetes , leading to reduced quality of life .Advanced age and longer duration of diabetes have been associated with an increased risk of ED in diabetic patients . Whether hyperglycemia is a risk factor for the development of ED in diabetic men is still not clear.Diabetes is commonly associated with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, overweight and obesity, metabolic syndrome, smoking, sedentary lifestyles, and autonomic neuropathy, which are recognized as risk factors for ED .The use of several medications frequently assumed by diabetic patients, such use of ß-blockers, thiazide diuretics, spironolactone, antidepressants, and certain fibrates, have all been associated with an additive deleterious effect on diabetic ED .
Viagra: How Young Is Too Young
Optimizing Performance
Rafael Palmeiro seems an unlikely Viagra pitchman. The Texas Rangers slugger is only 37 and won’t admit to having erection problems, yet he recently agreed to appear in ads promoting the drug. The deal has made people wonder whether Palmeiro really represents men with erectile dysfunction, or whether Pfizer, the company that makes Viagra, wants to persuade young men to try it for fun.
It’s true that erectile dysfunction is more common in older men, but many potential Viagra users are hardly senior citizens: About 40% of 40-year-old men in the U.S. have some degree of erectile dysfunction. Most Viagra users today, according to Pfizer, are in their early to mid 50s. So it makes sense that the company would want to reach more men around Palmeiro’s age.
Urologist Myron Murdock, medical director of the Impotence Institute of America, says these men are likely to use Viagra because sexual performance is a high priority for them.
A younger man, Murdock says, “wants his V-12 Jaguar working just perfectly,” whereas an elderly gent may be content with less dependable erections. What’s more, the sexual partners of younger men “are more demanding of their performance,” Murdock says.
Pfizer denies that it’s promoting Viagra for recreational use. “We’ve consistently opposed that,” says spokesman Geoff Cook. Nevertheless, Murdock says it’s fine to pop the little blue pill to “optimize” your sexual performance.
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How Are Diabetes And Erectile Dysfunction Related
For men, type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to an increased risk of erectile dysfunction, or ED for short. Based on data from a survey study, the risk is 50% higher for men with diabetes compared to men without diabetes, regardless of what type of diabetes they have. While many men may develop ED as they age, those who have diabetes may develop ED 5 10 years earlier than most.
It is important to note that ED can be related to insufficient blood flowing to penis , emotional issues such as depression , or problems with the nerves to the penis . Diabetes can cause or make these issues worse. As such, patients with diabetes who experience ED tend to notice that the problem gradually gets worse.
Current medical knowledge has identified several likely causes in patients specifically with diabetes.
Reversing Erectile Dysfunction From Diabetes With Medication
You may have heard of Viagra. Its practically a household name thanks to effective advertising. Viagra is one of several medications used to treat erectile dysfunction. There are several different medications in the class. Together, theyre the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Available medications are
- sildenafil
- vardenafil
- avanafil
Approximately 50 to 70 percent of men with diabetes respond favorably to the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. If this medication doesnt work for you or youd rather not take it, there are a few other options for medication.
Testosterone replacement therapy is a common approach. Additionally, doctors sometimes prescribe medication in the form of pills, suppositories, and injections, all designed to increase blood flow to the penis.
If pharmaceutical treatment isnt effective, herbal treatments and alternative remedies might work well instead.
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Sexual & Reproductive Health In Women
In general, much less is known about sexual problems in women and this includes women with diabetes. The main sexual problems that women deal with are vaginal dryness, a decrease in sexual desire, pain during sex and trouble having an orgasm. Whether diabetes affects these problems is unclear although women who find it hard to come to terms with living with diabetes are more likely to report sexual problems.
Women with diabetes that is not well managed are more likely to have frequent bouts of thrush . In most cases, keeping blood glucose levels within the target range will help.
During periods or menopause, blood glucose levels may change. Women affected by this will need to adjust their treatment. Your doctor or Credentialled Diabetes Educator will help during these times.
Monitoring Of Erectile Dysfunction
Dental medicines unwind the muscles in the penis, allowing blood to rapidly flow in. On average, the medicines take about an hour to begin working, as well as the erection-helping results can last from 8 to 36 hours.
Concerning 75% of men that undertake nerve-sparing prostatectomy or even more accurate types of radiation treatment have actually reported efficiently accomplishing erections after using these medications. Nevertheless, they are not for everybody, consisting of men who take medicines for angina or various other heart issues as well as guys who take alpha-blockers.
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Changes In The Anthropometric Profile
There was no significant difference in age of patients between the three groups. BMI was higher in sulfonylurea treated group compared with metformin treated group, but BMI in metformin treated patients was higher compared to the control whereas intergroup differences were insignificant p=0.23. Waist circumference was low in control group compared to metformin and glibenclamide treated patients whereas intergroup differences were insignificant p=0.28. WHR was high in sulfonylurea treated group which significantly differed from metformin treated and control groups p< 0.0001, whereas intergroup differences were insignificant p=0.62. Systolic and diastolic were higher in diabetic patients compared to the control group p=0.01 and p=0.008 respectively, but BP value was low in metformin treated patients compared to glibenclamide treated patients p < 0.0001 .
Metformin And Ed: Is There A Connection
Diabetes mellitus, or type 2 diabetes, is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States, and it is becoming increasingly more prevalent around the world.
Diabetes is associated with many health conditions, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity, but its connection to sexual dysfunction is being discussed with greater regularity.
Diabetes is an established risk factor for erectile dysfunction because the disease can damage the tiny blood vessels and nerves that work together to trigger an erection.
In fact, men with diabetes are three times more likely to have erectile dysfunction compared to those who do not have diabetes. They also often experience ED earlier, sometimes by as much as 10 to 15 years, than their peers without diabetes.
Diabetes alone can lead to ED because high blood sugar levels are toxic to nerves and blood vessels, which are necessary to achieve and maintain erections, but treatment can help. Metformin, a commonly prescribed diabetes medication, was once thought to help ED.
However, more recent research shows that sexual dysfunction may be a side effect of metformin, and that it may cause a significant lowering of testosterone levels.
Current research estimates approximately 462 million people were affected by type 2 diabetes in 2017, and the number is expected to rise to 552 million by 2030.
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Treatments Available For Men With Erectile Dysfunction
There are several erectile dysfunction therapies available. Consult your doctor to see if any of the following could be a good option for you:
Oral Medications
Oral pills available for erectile dysfunction can help in easing the blood flow to your penis. Thereby, making it easier to get an erection. You can consult your doctor and check if oral pills are safe for you.
Other Medications
Depending on your condition, your doctor might suggest you:
- intracavernous injection therapy
Having High Sugar Levels For A Long Period Of Time Can Cause Problems In How You Have Sex Called Sexual Dysfunction
Most people will have sexual problems at some point in their lives, whether they have diabetes or not. And having diabetes doesnt mean you will automatically have a problem. But people with diabetes are more at risk of sexual dysfunction . It’s one of the complications of diabetes, and happens because of high blood sugar levels, as well as high blood pressure and blood fats .
Having high sugar levels for a period of time can damage your blood vessels and nerves, including the ones that supply your penis. This can restrict the amount of blood flowing to your sexual organs, so you can lose some sensation. This could mean you have difficulty getting aroused, both physically and in how you feel.
Sex can be an important part of our lives, but it’s something we still struggle to talk about. Getting the time and support to talk about sexual problems with a healthcare professional is one of your 15 essential healthcare checks. This the care and support youre entitled to, so if youre not getting this type of care and you need it, dont be afraid to ask your healthcare team. Theyre here to help.
Here well take you through some types of sexual problems in men. This information can help you manage any problems you may have now, or reduce your risk of developing them in the future. And if you’re looking for information about sexual problems in women, we’ve got that too.
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How Does Type 2 Diabetes Lead To Ed
Type 2 diabetes is the result of your body not being able to regulate the amount of blood glucose in your blood. Your body needs blood glucose to provide energy to your cells, and normally it uses insulin to control the amount of it your body has. When you cant produce enough insulin to remove excess blood glucose or your body becomes resistant to it, you develop diabetes.
Diabetes can cause complications throughout your body, including kidney, heart, and nerve damage. If you dont have your blood sugar under control, these complications are likelier. An erection is a complicated physiological process, and ED can result from problems at any stage of it.
Conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease, commonly linked to diabetes, can interfere with your ability to get an erection because they interfere with blood flow to your penis. Nerve damage, or neuropathy, can interfere with sexual stimulation, another key to achieving and maintaining an erection.
Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of ED by two to three times. About half of the U.S. population that has diabetes are men, and over 90% of people with diabetes have type 2. Research from the Boston University Medical Center indicates that half of the men diagnosed with type 2 diabetes will get ED within 5-10 years. However, know that if your manage your diabetes successfully, you can also prevent ED as a complication.
Reversing Erectile Dysfunction From Diabetes With Your Lifestyle
Making healthy changes helps erectile dysfunction, and it improves diabetes as well. Thats a double bonus for ED because controlling blood sugar in itself is a way to reverse ED.
Some healthy lifestyle changes you can make for ED and diabetes are
- Increasing physical activity
- Find and use stress management techniques
- Stop smoking if you smoke
- Limit or eliminate alcohol
- Physical therapy to strengthen the pelvic muscles
An important part of reversing ED from diabetes is keeping an open relationship with your doctor and the rest of your care team. Adding or continuing mental health therapy is important, too. Many times, people dont want to talk about ED. Given that its so common, though, doctors know the reason and are there to work with you.
Understanding erectile dysfunction and diabetes helps you to take the right action to reverse it.
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What Is Erectile Dysfunction
Its entirely normal for some men to have trouble getting or keeping an erection from time to time. However, if you frequently have trouble getting or maintaining an erection to the point where its interfering with your sex life, your healthcare provider might diagnose ED.
The symptoms of ED can include:
- Trouble getting an erection during sexual activity
- Trouble maintaining an erection enough to climax
- Premature or delayed ejaculation trouble climaxing
ED becomes more common with age. Its rare in men who are less than 40 years old, but up to 44% of men who are 60 years old and 70% of men who are more than 70 years old experience ED.