Diabetes and Impotence - Causes and Treatment

Many health conditions or complications can result from diabetes, and impotence -- also called erectile dysfunction (ED) -- is not uncommon in diabetic men. It's estimate that up to 75% of diabetic men will experience impotence at some point in their lives.

An erection occurs when blood flows into the penis, causing it to expand. In men with diabetes, however, a number of physical factors can prevent blood flow to the penis:

• High blood glucose can cause nerve damage and constricted blood vessels;
• Hypertension, or high blood pressure -- a common condition with type 2 diabetes - can further cause blood vessel damage;

• Poor cholesterol can prevent the blood vessels from properly dilating.

This combination can result in decreased or poor blood flow to the penis and the inability to get an erection. Stress over health (and over the erectile dysfunction itself) can also add to impotence problems. A desire to have sex does not affect ED -- even if you want to have sex, you may not be able to get an erection.

A healthy lifestyle can help to reduce or prevent the incidence of erectile dysfunction. Regular exercise -- which should be a part of an overall diabetes treatment plan - can help to reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol, while also keeping blood sugar levels under control. A healthy diet will be of great help.

If you are a smoker, then stop: smoking affects blood flow throughout the entire body, including to the penis. Ask your doctor suggestions on how to quit smoking.

Take any diabetes medication or insulin as prescribed. Keeping your blood glucose levels well-managed will also help to prevent nerve damage.

And finally, should you wish to pursue this avenue, medications are available to treat ED. Always consult with your healthcare provider first -- diabetics often suffer from health complications such as heart disease, and the medications used to treat these must not cause adverse effects when taken in conjunction with ED medications. Alternative treatments such as sex therapy, injections, and vacuum constriction are also available.

With good management of diabetes, impotence can be also be managed and treated. Talk to your doctor for advice on your individual situation.