Erectile Dysfunction
and Diabetes

More you know about ED, the closer you are to a solution.

Link Between Erectile Dysfunction And Diabetes

Men with diabetes face many difficulties, but few problems are more frustrating than erectile dysfunction (ED), especially for younger men. Half of men with diabetes have sexual troubles caused by diabetes1.

The prevalence of ED is approximately 3.5‐fold higher in men with DM than in those without DM3.

Men with diabetes tend to develop erectile dysfunction 10 to 15 years earlier than men without diabetes4. Over the age of 50, the likelihood of having difficulty with an erection occurs in approximately 50% to 60% of men with diabetes. Over age 70, there is about a 95% likelihood of having some difficulty with erectile dysfunction4.

To get an erection, men need healthy blood vessels, nerves, male hormones, and a desire to be sexually stimulated. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control erection. Therefore, even if you have normal amounts of male hormones and you have the desire to have sex, you still may not be able to achieve a firm erection.

Over time, it’s very common for people with diabetes to experience nerve damage due to high blood sugar levels. Diabetic nerve damage can lead to loss of sensation or feeling in the feet or hands. It can also cause problems with digestion, going to the bathroom or having sex If you’re a man with diabetes experiencing ED – the inability to get or maintain an erection that’s firm enough or lasts long enough to have successful sexual intercourse – you’re not alone5,6.

Erectile Dysfunction and diabetes go hand in hand

Although ED and diabetes are two separate conditions, they tend to go hand in hand. Half of men with diabetes will experience ED within 10 years of their diagnosis3. For some men, ED may be the first symptom of diabetes even if they have not yet been diagnosed, particularly in men younger than 452. If left untreated, ED can damage self-confidence and relationships.

Look for your symptoms7

Symptoms for ED may include:

  • Getting an erection, but it doesn’t last long enough for sex.
  • Getting a partial erection that is not firm enough to have sex.
  • Not being able to get an erection at all.

When ED becomes bothersome, your primary care physician or a urologist can help.

Why wait? Take control

The first goal in treating ED is to manage your diabetes. This includes keeping your blood sugar and blood pressure under control. If ED persists, treatments are available. While oral medications are a common first therapy, they don’t work for all men with diabetes.

Finding a satisfying treatment for ED can be a life-changing event for many men and their partners, who may have struggled for years with a condition that can impact their self-esteem and affect their most intimate relationships.

Make good lifestyle choices7

When it comes to your health, a few changes can make a big difference. Try these tips to improve your overall health and your ED:

  • Stop smoking. Smoking and other tobacco use narrows your blood vessels. So, less blood can reach your penis.
  • Think about what you eat. There’s no one-size-fits-all diet plan for a person with diabetes. But a provider can offer the right blend of carbs, protein and fat for your health. And they can tell you which kinds of foods are the best match for you.
  • Lose excess pounds. Being overweight can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
  • Get moving. Exercise helps other conditions that can cause erectile dysfunction. It boosts blood flow while helping lower stress and weight. Start where you are. A provider can help create a plan that works with your abilities.
  • Reduce or quit alcohol consumption. Alcohol can impact erectile dysfunction. If you choose to drink alcohol, balance is key.

Related Resources

What is Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction?

Take the next step

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can limit your intimacy, affect your self-esteem and have an impact on your relationship with your partner.

Consult / Talk with Urologist near you who specializes in ED and offers the full range of treatment options.

Find a doctor near you

DID YOU KNOW?
59.3% Diabetic patient was found to have ED in India2

References

  1. Phé V, Rouprêt M. Erectile dysfunction and diabetes: A review of the current evidence-based medicine and a synthesis of the main available therapies. Diabetes & Metabolism. 2012;38:1.
  2. Parmar et al Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its predictors among diabetic men. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care 11(7):p 3875-3879, July 2022.
  3. Defeudis G, Mazzilli R, Tenuta M, Rossini G, Zamponi V, Olana S, Faggiano A, Pozzilli P, Isidori AM, Gianfrilli D. Erectile dysfunction and diabetes: A melting pot of circumstances and treatments. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2022 Feb;38(2):e3494.
  4. Patient education guide on erectile dysfunction & Diabetes WebMD Website s https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/ed-diabetes accessed 24th May 2024.
  5. Malavige LS, Levy JC. Erectile dysfunction in diabetes mellitus. J Sex Med. 2009 May;6(5):1232-47. 2.
  6. The Risks and Complications of Uncontrolled Diabetes. WebMD Website: http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/ risks-complications-uncontrolled-diabetes. Accessed 24th may 2024.
  7. Sexual health - Erectile dysfunction patient guide by American urology association 2021.
  8. Life style modification in ED with diabetes myoclonic website https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/in-depth/erectile-dysfunction/art-20043927 accessed on 24th may 2024.
  9. ED - Erectile Dysfunction.

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