What Are the Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction of a Diabetic?

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. According to the Mayo Clinic, erectile dysfunction is a common complication of diabetes and diabetic men are three times as likely to develop the disorder. Diabetics have several treatment options, from lifestyle changes to surgical intervention.

Control the Diabetes

• Manage blood sugar with diet and medication. Doing so will prevent further damage to the blood vessels and nerves.

Limit Smoking and Alcohol

• Cigarettes can constrict blood flow to the penis while alcohol can prevent blood from staying in the penis. Limiting or eliminating both will improve erectile function.

Change Medications

• Diabetics may also have hypertension and heart disease. Some hypertension medications can cause erectile dysfunction and changing medication may reverse the condition.

ED Medications

• Many men have success with pills, like Viagra, but they are not without side effects. There are also penile suppositories and penile injections that can increase blood flow without the side effects common to ED pills.

Mechanical Options

• Penis pumps and penile implants work to inflate the penis without the use of drugs. Penis pumps work externally while penile implants require surgery.