What Causes Impotence With Diabetes?

Diabetes is a devastating illness that can affect many other body systems and functions. For men, one of the most distressing effects can be impotence. Even though a diabetic man might have normal hormones and sexual desires, his disease might prevent him from getting an erection and performing intercourse. Knowing the causes of diabetic impotence can help a man understand what is happening and how to treat it.

Definition

• Impotence is a condition in which a man cannot achieve an erection or cannot maintain one. It can also refer to an inconsistent ability to get an erection or a lack of firmness.

Prevalence

• According to WebMD, between 35 and 75 percent of men with diabetes will experience some degree of impotence at some point. The chances increase with age; after age 50, an average of 60 percent of diabetic men will have erectile dysfunction, and the number shoots up to 95 percent after age 70.

Causes

• Diabetes causes problems with a person's nerves, blood vessels and muscle function. Damaged nerves and blood vessels can restrict blood flow and interfere with a diabetic man's ability to get and maintain a firm erection.

Treatment

• Impotence in diabetic men can be treated with medications like Viagra, Cilais or Levitra. Other options include intracavernous injection therapy, intraurethral therapy, vacuum constriction devices, or counseling with a sex therapist.

Warning

• Many men with diabetes may also have heart problems which can make the use of drugs like Viagra, Cilais or Levitra dangerous. These drugs can interact with heart medications.