Diabetes and Sexual Health
How are diabetes and sexual function related?
Diabetes may affect the sexual function of both men and women.
Men who have diabetes can have a problem with impotence. Impotence occurs
in men with type 1 diabetes as well as in in those with the type 2 diabetes.
Changes may be more subtle in women with diabetes. They may find it become
more difficult for them to have an orgasm.
Keeping blood sugar and blood pressure levels close to the normal range
are important ito reduce the risks for further complications.
How does diabetes affect sexual function?
In men, diabetes can lead to hardening and narrowing of the blood vessels
that supply the spongy (erectile) tissue of the penis. This tissue swells
and stiffens the penis during an erection. The decreased blood flow to
the penis may cause erectile problems. For example, the penis may be less
rigid during erection.
In women, diabetes can lead to hardening of the blood vessels of the
vaginal wall. This decreased blood flow due to diabetes may cause the
vagina to be too dry during arousal. Dryness and high blood sugar levels
make it more likely that a woman with diabetes will develop recurring
yeast infections. Women may notice that they are not as easily aroused
and that they have less sensitivity to touching and stroking.
In women, the combination of diabetes and menopause may cause:
- a decrease in vaginal blood supply due to low estrogen levels
- vaginal secretions that are less acidic and less protective, which
may lower the resistance to normal bacteria in the vagina, increasing
the risk of yeast infection
- glucose levels that may increase the risk for yeast infections.
How is the sexual dysfunction treated?
Keeping blood sugar levels close to the normal range may improve sexual
function for both men and women.
Treatment for erectile dysfunction may include:
- taking medication
- using a vacuum device to draw the blood to the erectile tissues and
then putting a band around the penis to keep penis erect. The band is
not be left on for longer than 20 to 30 minutes at a time. The penis
becomes soft when the device is removed. Ejaculation response varies.
- injecting medication into the erectile tissue of the penis to produce
erections.
- surgically implanting a device designed to improve the function of
the penis if obstructed blood vessels cause problems
- engaging in intercourse only when well rested (early morning hours
may be better because testosterone levels are higher then)
Treatment for the menopausal woman with diabetes may include hormone
replacement therapy. Estrogen helps keep blood flowing in vaginal tissues
and provides an adequate level of acidity to protect against vaginal infections.
Estrogen replacement therapy does have risks for some women. Discuss your
risks and benefits with your doctor.
The treatment for painful intercourse includes:
- treatment for vaginal infections (if they occur)
- use of water-based lubricants such as KY jelly for vaginal dryness
(do not use Vaseline.)
- hormone replacement therapy.
Information provided (reviewed) by Martha Funnell,
MS, RN, CDE, Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center, October,
2002. |
This
information is approved and/or reviewed by U-M Health System providers
but it is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical
treatment. You should speak to your physician or make
an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about
this information or your medical condition.