How Does Diabetes Affect A Man Sexually

How Does Diabetes Affect A Man Sexually

Dr. Mujahid Jammel

Dr. Mujahid Jammel

MD(AM)BUMS, DAF, CHEF, PGDYT
May 8th, 2024

Usually, sexual dysfunction occurs in patients with depression, and there comes Diabetes as diabetes patients have nearly 2 to 3 times more depression than ordinary people.  The International Diabetes Federation estimates that there are 425 million people affected by Diabetes worldwide and projects almost 1 in 8 adults will have Diabetes in the year 2045. 

Diabetes is a serious condition caused when insulin is not produced, or the insulin produced in the body is ineffective. This results in high blood glucose levels. Diabetes not only affects a man sexually, but it has various impacts on our body, including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, and poor blood flow. If you are affected by Diabetes and have a fear of sexual problems caused by Diabetes. To make you aware of the issues created by Diabetes 

Sexual Problems Faced by Men with Diabetes

Diabetes can affect men’s sexual life in various ways. As the primary damage diabetes does to the body is improper blood flow and high glucose levels, both can have a significant impact in causing multiple sexual problems in the men’s body, including

  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Reduced Sexual desire
  • Ejaculatory problems
  • Orgasmic Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction

One of the most common sexual health issues faced by men with Diabetes is erectile dysfunction (ED). Studies show that men with diabetes have a higher risk of developing ED in comparison to men without the disease. The underlying mechanism involves damage to blood vessels and nerves caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels. This damage, known as neuropathy and vascular disease, can impair the ability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.

Reduced Sexual desire

When there is Diabetes, there will be fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can lead to mood swings and decreased libido that have an impact on sexual desire.

Ejaculatory problems

Diabetes can affect the nerves responsible for ejaculation, leading to issues such as delayed ejaculation. It also leads to retrograde ejaculation, where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the urethra.

Orgasmic Dysfunction

The men and women whose bodies require insulin more than 80% face orgasmic dysfunction resulting in delayed orgasm or anorgasmia.

Diabetes Effect On Male Sexuality

Can Diabetic Men Get Women Pregnant?

Regarding fertility, Many men are curious about how Diabetes affects their capacity to become fathers. Diabetes by itself does not always make a man infertile, while uncontrolled blood sugar levels might affect sperm quality and fertility. According to research, men who have Diabetes may have lower sperm mobility and more DNA damage in their sperm cells, both of which can impair fertility. Nonetheless, many diabetic men are still able to become fathers, provided their Diabetes is managed correctly.

How Does Type 1 Diabetes Affect a Man Sexually?

Type 1 diabetes affects men more than women and those men who have a concentration of glycated hemoglobin higher than 6.5%. Type 1 diabetes, often diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood, can have implications for male sexual health. 

  • Poorly controlled blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy) and vascular problems (vascular disease), which affects erectile function.
  • It also causes fluctuations in blood sugar levels that can contribute to mood swings and decreased libido, which has an overall impact on sexual desire.

Proper management of blood sugar levels through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes is essential for minimizing the impact of type 1 diabetes on sexual function.

How Does Type 2 Diabetes Affect a Man Sexually?

90% of people with Diabetes have type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by insulin resistance and often linked to lifestyle factors like obesity and sedentary behavior. The men who have type 2 diabetes mostly face sexual dysfunction. Especially a person over 45 who has type 2 diabetes and poorly controlled blood sugar levels can lead to nerve damage and vascular issues, which causes erectile dysfunction (ED).

Lifestyle modifications, including weight loss, regular exercise, and dietary changes, play a crucial role in managing type 2 diabetes-related sexual dysfunction.

How to Increase Sperm Count for Diabetic Patients?

For diabetic men concerned about their sperm count and fertility, several strategies can help optimize reproductive health. 

  • Maintaining tight control of blood sugar levels through medication, 
  • Diet
  • Regular physical activity
  • Adequate sleep
  • A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients

Additionally, avoiding tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental toxins can help preserve fertility in diabetic men.

Can Diabetes Stop You from Ejaculating?

Yes, Diabetes can affect sexual function, which also includes ejaculation. Uncontrolled Diabetes leads to high blood sugar levels over time and can damage nerves and blood vessels, which leads to diabetic neuropathy and erectile dysfunction. This may stop you from ejaculating.

Can Diabetes Cause Low Testosterone?

Elevated blood sugar levels can interfere with the body’s ability to produce hormones such as testosterone, which causes low testosterone. Diabetes can contribute to low testosterone levels in men, which is a condition known as hypogonadism. Low testosterone is also more likely in obese people, which is also a common factor with Diabetes. Fatigue, mood swings, and diminished libido are signs of low testosterone. 

Takeaway

Diabetes can have a significant impact on men’s sexual health by effectively controlling blood sugar levels and addressing lifestyle changes that include a healthy diet, physical exercises, and weight loss activities. Whenever you consult with a doctor for Diabetes, check your blood sugar level and maintain it properly, as an improper blood sugar level can cause more serious damage to sexual function.

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