Diabetes and erectile dysfunction

Introduction to Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects men and features with inability of a person to get and sustain an erection which eventually results in inability to experience positive sexual experience. It is normal for men to experience erectile dysfunction once in a while. There may be many underlying causes such as stress or tiredness. However, if the problem persists the person is due to consult his urologist who will perform certain tests and examinations in order to identify the actual cause of the problem.

A men is considered suffering from erectile dysfunction in case the symptoms last consistently for at least three months.

Erectile Dysfunction in Patients Suffering from Diabetes

Erectile dysfunction is a common complication of diabetes in men and it affects between 35 and 75% of all male patients suffering from this chronic illness. It is also estimated that around 75% of all diabetes mellitus patients will face some degree of erectile dysfunction once over the course of their illness. And finally, erectile dysfunction in patients suffering from diabetes occurs approximately 10-15 years earlier than it is the case with healthy men. The percentage of the problem among men over the age of 70 is even up to 95%.

Why does Erectile Dysfunction Affects Diabetic Patients More?

The problem with patients suffering from diabetes is that there are serious changes to many structures and tissues in the body. They include nerves, blood vessels and muscles. In order to achieve adequate erection a man must have healthy blood vessels, nerves and appropriate level of male hormones in the blood. Also he needs to feel a desire to have sex. In many male sufferers from diabetes there are evident structural changes of the blood vessels that supply the penis with blood hence the problem with erection.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction in Diabetic Patients

The diagnosis is set after thorough investigation of patient's medical history, information on what medications the patient currently takes and physical examination. Laboratory tests and several more tests and examinations are of additional assistance in confirming the diagnosis.

Men suffering from diabetes who simply cannot achieve adequate degree of erection can be treated with certain oral medications. They include Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. However, it is not recommendable for anyone to take these medications without previous consultation with a doctor since they have certain side effects. Apart from oral medications some patients are treated with intracavernous injection therapy, vacuum constriction devices, intraurethral therapy and sex therapy. Additional help is achieved with psychotherapy and the last options are surgery and vacuum devices.