Type 2 Diabetes is a disease that can interfere in achieving satisfactory sexual relationships in both men and women. The high blood sugar levels in diabetes damage these nerves and blood vessels, causing different sexual problems. Although often stimulated by intimate movies and magazines, sexual desire and sexual responses are involuntary. Autonomic nerves which control the internal organs in the body are also responsible for stimulating sexual desire and generating response to sexual stimuli. When these nerves are damaged, it cannot transmit the autonomic signals that trigger the increased blood flow in the blood vessels to the muscles in the penis for erection and the vagina for lubrication. Damage to the autonomic nerves is further aggravated with blood vessel damage.
Sexual Problems from Diabetes in Men
Erectile Dysfunction.This problem refers to the inability to achieve and sustain an erection during a sexual intercourse. According to statistics, 20 to 70 percent of men with diabetes suffer from erectile dysfunction.
Low Testosterone Production. Low levels of testosterone occur with ageing but there is early onset in men with diabetes. Testosterone is the hormone responsible for creating muscles, hair growth, and libido.
Retrograde ejaculation. It is a defect in which some of the semen goes to the bladder instead in the tip of the penis during ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation is not harmful. The semen that goes to the bladder is discharged during urination.
Sexual Problems from Diabetes in Women
Vaginal dryness.The nerve and blood vessels damage associated with diabetes causes decreased vaginal lubrication or vaginal dryness in women. Failure of the vagina to lubricate causes pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Failure to achieve an Orgasm.Women find it hard to achieve an orgasm than men, and it is even harder for diabetic women. Decrease blood supply to the clitoris and nerve damage causes failure to reach orgasm, even with manual stimulation.
No interest in Sex.Physical changes, symptoms of diabetes, and taking medications are all contributing factors for diabetic women to lose interest in sex. The stress of having an incurable disease like diabetes can also add to these factors.
Eating healthy, lifestyle changes, and consulting your doctor may help you regain sexual health. Sexual health is very important for couples, even when one or both of them have libido-diminishing disease like diabetes. But, sexual satisfaction is subjective and couples can still find new ways to achieve a fulfilling sexual relationship.
