{"id":5668,"date":"2020-01-30T17:24:21","date_gmt":"2020-01-30T17:24:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bostonmedicalgroup.com\/?p=5668"},"modified":"2024-04-11T03:45:10","modified_gmt":"2024-04-11T03:45:10","slug":"the-link-between-diabetes-erectile-dysfunction-and-intimacy-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bostonmedicalgroup.com\/the-link-between-diabetes-erectile-dysfunction-and-intimacy-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"The Link between Diabetes, Erectile Dysfunction and Intimacy Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did you know that the root causes of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can be linked to pre-existing health conditions?\u00a0 There are several prevalent conditions that can increase the likelihood of developing Erectile Dysfunction. One such pre-existing condition that increases the likelihood of developing Erectile Dysfunction includes Diabetes. Research studies suggest that the prevalence of developing Erectile dysfunction for \u201cmen with diabetes ranges from 35%\u201375% versus 26% in general population.\u201d (1) <\/sup>This reveals that men with Diabetes have a significantly higher risk for developing Erectile Dysfunction then the general population due to complications resulting from Diabetes.<\/p>\n

Overall men who are Diabetic have approximately a \u201cthreefold higher probability to develop Erectile Dysfunction compared with non-diabetics.\u201d (2)<\/sup>\u00a0This suggests that the chances of developing impotence are much higher if an individual has a pre-existing condition such as Diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association \u201cthe onset of Erectile Dysfunction occurs 10\u201315 years earlier in men with diabetes than it does in sex-matched counterparts without diabetes.\u201d (1)<\/sup>\u00a0Research also conducted by the Boston University Medical Centre, has found that \u201cabout\u00a0half of men<\/a>\u00a0who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes will develop ED within five to 10 years of their diagnosis.\u201d (3)<\/sup><\/p>\n

Not only is Erectile Dysfunction more common in men who have been diagnosed with Diabetes, research studies suggest that Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetic men \u201chas been shown to be more severe and associated with a poorer quality of life\u201d. (5, 6)<\/sup>\u00a0Furthermore, studies have shown that men who have ED are \u201cless responsive to medical treatment compared with ED in non-diabetic men.\u201d (5, 6)<\/sup><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>So what\u2019s causing Erectile Dysfunction stemmed from Diabetes?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Erectile Dysfunction can stem from several complications associated with Diabetes. One such complication includes poor long-term blood sugar control which results in damage to \u201cdamage small blood vessels and nerves\u201d increasing the likelihood to develop Erectile Dysfunction. (3)<\/sup> Another complication includes \u201clow nitric oxide levels which are commonly found in individuals with Diabetes.\u201d (1) <\/sup>When a man is aroused, a chemical called nitric oxide is released into the bloodstream. This nitric oxide signals the muscles and the arteries in the penis to relax, allowing for more blood to flow into the penis, giving an erection. When a man\u2019s blood sugar levels are too high, there is less nitric oxide produced resulting in less blood flowing into the penis therefore causing the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Gh levels of nitric oxide act as local neurotransmitters therefore facilitating the maximization of blood flow as well as penile engorgement. \u201cLoss of erection occurs when nitric oxide\u2013induced vasodilation ceases\u201d, or with low nitric oxide synthase levels. (1)<\/sup> Individuals with Diabetes have a higher chance of developing Erectile Dysfunction due to the interference of nitric oxide synthesis as it prevents \u201cintracavernosal blood pressure from rising to a level sufficient to impede emissary vein outflow, leading to an inability to acquire or sustain rigid erection.\u201d (1)<\/sup><\/p>\n

Another complication of Diabetes which can facilitate impotence includes the reduction of Norepinephrine- and acetylcholine-positive fibers two substances which attach to skeletal muscle fibers in the penile tissue region. These two substances are shown \u201cto be reduced in people with diabetes\u201d resulting in the \u201closs for muscle relaxation that is essential for achieving an erection.\u201d (1)<\/sup> The reduction in these two fiber substances arises from damage to the nerves as well as blood vessels caused by long term imbalances in blood sugar level. Additionally, the use of medications frequently assumed to be administered by diabetic patients, such as \u201cantihypertensive drugs (\u03b2-blockers, thiazide diuretics, and spironolactone), psychotropic drugs (antidepressants), and certain fibrates, have all been associated with an additive deleterious effect on diabetic Erectile Dysfunction.\u201d (5)<\/sup> Overall Erectile Dysfunction linked to Diabetes is multi-factorial in nature and there can be several underlying causes attributing to the condition so a global approach in regards to treatment may be required.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s Talk about Prevention, Supplements and Treatment Options<\/strong><\/p>\n

The first step in preventing or resolving Erectile Dysfunction includes addressing the root cause<\/a> of the problem. Initially, preventive measures or steps towards multi-factorial intervention can help to reduce the risk of developing Erectile Dysfunction. Preventive measure include but are not limited to taking initiatives to managing hypertension, maintaining lipid control, completely omitting cigarette smoking, engaging in adequate physical exercise, as well as reducing alcohol intake.<\/p>\n

Treatment and prevention measures can also come in the form of glucose management, and diet changes. Recent clinical studies have shown that better glucose management has \u201cbeen associated with improvements in sexual function\u201d and reduces the likelihood of developing Erectile Dysfunction. (7)<\/sup> According to ISSM and the American Diabetes Association adopting a\u00a0Mediterranean diet<\/a>\u00a0could cut the risk of a man developing erectile dysfunction by 40 percent. (12,11) <\/sup>\u00a0Additionally, the American Association of Diabetes states that the benefits of a Mediterranean diet \u201con erectile function might be related to an improved lipid and glucose metabolism, increased antioxidant defenses, and increased arginine levels which could raise nitric oxide activity and thus improve erectile function\u00a0.\u201d (11, 10)<\/sup><\/p>\n

Supplements can aid in the improvement of Erectile Dysfunction as well. Recent studies also show that \u201csupplementation with amino acids called l-arginine and l-citrulline may help to improve erectile function as these acids are known to increase the body’s production of nitric oxide, which can increase blood flow to the penis.\u201d (8)<\/sup> Substituting as well as removing medications that may be linked to Erectile Dysfunction is helpful as well. (2, 9)\u00a0<\/sup><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Below are listed lifestyle change measures to consider when treating or preventing Erectile Dysfunction: (4)<\/sup><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Managing blood sugar levels<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    A diabetes-friendly well balanced diet assists in controlling blood sugar levels and decreases potential damage which might occur to both blood vessels and nerves.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Limiting the consumption of alcohol<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Drinking can often times damage blood vessels which can contribute to erectile dysfunction.<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Adopting an active lifestyle<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Incorporating regular exercise can assist in controlling the blood sugar levels as well as improve circulation and lower stress.<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Quit smoking<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces levels of nitric oxide in the blood, which in turn reduces the blood flow towards the penis, therefore contributing to the worsening the condition of erectile dysfunction.<\/p>\n

          For Diabetic men who have onset Erectile Dysfunction there are several effective therapy options available. Boston Medical Group Telemedicine offers first line pharmacologic therapy options<\/a> effective for treating Erectile Dysfunction for men who have pre-existing conditions such as Diabetes. The initial steps of Boston Medical Group Telemedicines consultation<\/a> includes going over a patient\u2019s background history through a thorough evaluation of their medical conditions, and current health statues in order to distinguish between psychogenic and primary causes. The second step Boston Medical Group Telemedicine initiates includes administering quick, simple non-invasive tests in order to determine severity as well as prognosis. The third step of Boston Medical Group Telemedicine\u2019s comprehensive consultation includes prescribing the best recommended line of therapy<\/a> for Erectile Dysfunction. Such pharmacologic therapies include oral medications and vasoactive agents in order to thoroughly address the issue at hand.<\/p>\n

          \"\"<\/p>\n

          Sources:<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. https:\/\/clinical.diabetesjournals.org\/content\/19\/1\/45<\/a><\/li>\n
          2. https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/10.1177\/2054270415622602<\/a><\/li>\n
          3. https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/type-2-diabetes\/type-2-and-erectile-dysfunction<\/a><\/li>\n
          4. https:\/\/www.wphealthcarenews.com\/can-erectile-dysfunction-from-diabetes-be-reversed\/<\/a><\/li>\n
          5. https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3949699\/<\/a><\/li>\n
          6. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4776250\/<\/a><\/li>\n
          7. https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK279101\/<\/a><\/li>\n
          8. https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/317012.php#treatments<\/a><\/li>\n
          9. https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/erectile-dysfunction\/guide\/drugs-linked-erectile-dysfunction<\/a><\/li>\n
          10. https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5510347\/<\/a><\/li>\n
          11. https:\/\/care.diabetesjournals.org\/content\/39\/9\/e143<\/a><\/li>\n
          12. https:\/\/www.smr.jsexmed.org\/article\/S2050-0521(17)30074-4\/pdf<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

            Did you know that the root causes of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can be linked to pre-existing health conditions?\u00a0 There are several prevalent conditions that can increase the likelihood of developing Erectile Dysfunction. One such pre-existing condition that increases the likelihood of developing Erectile Dysfunction includes Diabetes. Research studies suggest that the prevalence of developing Erectile […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":5673,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Understanding the Link Between Diabetes, Erectile Dysfunction, and Intimacy | Boston Medical Group","_seopress_titles_desc":"Explore the intricate connection between diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and intimacy issues. Discover how managing diabetes can improve sexual health and intimacy. Gain insights from Boston Medical Group's expertise.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[42,10],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bostonmedicalgroup.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5668"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bostonmedicalgroup.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bostonmedicalgroup.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bostonmedicalgroup.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bostonmedicalgroup.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5668"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.bostonmedicalgroup.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5668\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10192,"href":"https:\/\/www.bostonmedicalgroup.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5668\/revisions\/10192"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bostonmedicalgroup.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5673"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bostonmedicalgroup.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5668"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bostonmedicalgroup.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5668"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bostonmedicalgroup.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5668"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}