Diabetes and Sex Problems

Uncontrolled blood sugar can really affect your love life. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

And I know it can be uncomfortable to have “that conversation” during a doctor’s visit. You may even put it off or avoid it altogether.

So here in this article, I’m going to share with you some of the causes of some of these issues, and what you can do to get more spice back in your love life.

Diabetes and Sex Explained

First, sexual issues affect men and women a little bit differently.

The most common problem that women have as a result of type 2 diabetes is usually vaginal dryness. This usually happens as a result of damaged nerves.

Nerves that tell the body to release lubricant into the vaginal area can become damaged with type 2 diabetes. As a result of vaginal dryness, intercourse can become painful.

Other issues affecting women are bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, which can be more common with type 2 diabetics than non-diabetics.

Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction

The most common sexual problem that presents for men with type 2 diabetes is erectile dysfunction.

Again, nerve damage is the culprit for erectile dysfunction with men as it is for women’s sexual issues.

Damaged nerves that supply the blood vessels in the genital area reduce blood flow making it more difficult to maintain an erection.

Another cause of erectile dysfunction is low testosterone levels in men. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for sexual function in men.

Men with type 2 diabetes are two times more likely to have low testosterone compared to non-diabetics.

Other medications that cause erectile dysfunction include blood pressure medicines, depression and medicines for heartburn.

Smoking is one of the leading causes of erectile dysfunction.

Negative feelings, stress, depression, and anxiety or other psychological problems can also affect sexual performance.

NSAIDs have been shown to cause erectile dysfunction according to the Journal of Urology. When used for more than 3 months at 3 times per day, they increased the risk of erectile dysfunction by 22%.

Improving Sexual Problems With Diabetes

Less arousal and sensation in the genital areas due to decreased blood flow and nerve damage are two major issues that need to be addressed.

And the majority of the problems with sexual performance usually come from one underlying problem – High blood sugar.

So by improving your blood sugar control you stand to protect blood vessels from further damage. However, you’ll still want to speak to your doctor to determine the exact causes of decreased sexual performance.

Natural Ways To Improve Sex Drive

One of the best ways to improve your sex life is Exercise. Exercise helps to control blood sugar, and improves blood flow.

Also, control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. When you exercise you also help to improve these two.

Get some Zinc. Zinc increases testosterone production.

Get some rest. Rest plays a role in energy levels and relieving stress. Stress and low energy levels affect performance in a big way.

Here are some other natural foods, herbs or supplements for improving sex drive:

Benefits of Sex For Type 2 Diabetes

Sex is part of life and a good form of physical activity.

I always talk about enjoyable ways to get moving and this is a great way to do so with your partner.

Increased sexual frequency has been associated with reduced risk to heart disease.

Speak to your doctor if you have heart disease to determine if your heart is healthy enough for different types of physical activity.

Prior to using any of this material, please consult with your physician.