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Last Updated: Aug 29, 2019
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Sexuality Tips for Diabetic Men
SEXUALITY ISSUES WITH DIABETIC MEN
The most widely reported problem men face is erectile dysfunction. In fact, in some cases diabetes is diagnosed when the man seeks treatment for erection dysfunction—erectile dysfunction is a presenting symptom of diabetes, particularly for those under 45 years of age.
Failure to achieve or maintain an erection until ejaculation can be caused from nerve, muscle, or vascular damage. It is estimated that between 20 and 75% of men will have a problem with erectile dysfunction. . Changes in testosterone level can also affect erection, as can sexual side effects of medication. Co-morbid conditions that often accompany diabetes also contribute to erectile dysfunction. For example:
obesity
high blood pressure
emotional and psychological issues such as depression, low self esteem, and anxiety
too little exercise
Retrograde ejaculation is also a possible sexual problem men may experience as a complication of type 2 diabetes. Retrograde ejaculation, which is when all or part of the semen is ejaculated back into the bladder instead of out of the penis, is caused when there is a problem with internal sphincter muscles. Sphincter muscles are responsible for opening and closing passages in the body. Abnormally high glucose levels can result in nerve damage to the sphincter muscles and the result is retrograde ejaculation.