Diabetes & Impotency

According to the Western Journal of Medicine, nearly 50 percent of diabetic men suffer from impotence. Even though a diabetic man may have normal levels of hormones and a healthy libido, his disease can still prevent him from getting an erection. Diabetes is devastating disease that affects multiple body systems and functions, and it can be difficult to track down the reason for the impotence. Understanding the causes of diabetic impotence can help men find the appropriate treatment.

Definition

• Impotence or erectile dysfunction is characterized by an inability to get or sustain an erection firm enough for intercourse. According to the Mayo Clinic, experiencing occasional erectile dysfunction is not necessarily a cause for concern; however persistent problems can indicate a more serious condition. Poorly-controlled diabetes is a common cause of erectile dysfunction.

Causes

• According to urologist Stanley J. Swierzewski, chronic high levels of blood sugar, as is common with diabetes, can damage nerves and blood vessels, including those necessary for triggering and maintaining the blood flow necessary for an erection. Maintaining proper blood sugar levels can prevent vascular and nerve damage.

Treatment

• In addition to controlling blood sugar, impotence in diabetic men can be treated with the erectile dysfunction drugs Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. According to the Mayo Clinic, other effective treatments include vascular therapy and mechanical vacuum constriction devices.

Talk Therapy

• Impotence in many diabetic men is a psychogenic condition, meaning the reason for the impotence is psychological rather than physical. For this reason, according to a study in the Western Journal of Medicine, talk therapy to uncover the psychology behind the impotence can be an effective cure.

Warning

• Many men with diabetes may also have high blood pressure. This makes impotence treatments like Viagra or Cialis dangerous, as they may react with blood pressure medication. If you are on blood pressure medication and are suffering from impotence, consulting a doctor is the best option for determining the correct treatment.