4 Ways to Address Diabetes When You Have ED

Diabetes and erectile dysfunction (ED) are two conditions frequently in tandem with each other. There are many reasons for this, including the possibility of unchecked diabetes causing nerve damage and harm to blood vessels.

Both the nervous and circulatory systems are critical components for achieving an erection. If they aren't functioning at optimal levels, erection quality and the ability to maintain an erection for periods of time can be seriously affected.

However, there are a number of strategies for men to meet these challenges head-on and continue to have a satisfying sex life.

Focus on getting healthy

Erectile dysfunction affects an estimated 50 percent or more of men with diabetes. It's a complicated process involving advanced glycation end products—that is, proteins and lipids exposed to sugars—and difficulties with synthesizing nitric oxide in conjunction with the nerve and blood vessel damage caused by diabetes.

The best defense is often a good offense. Talk to your doctor about ways to manage your diabetes to lower your blood sugar levels to head off further damage.

Feeling healthy and achieving satisfying erections—what's not to like?

Check on other health issues

While you're improving your health by managing your blood sugar, try looking into other health problems that contribute to ED.

As men age, developing type 2 diabetes becomes more likely. But so does heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and a general lack of fitness. Talk to your doctor about an exercise program, a healthy diet and getting your blood pressure under control. Smoking is another contributor to erectile dysfunction, so ask about a smoking cessation program that'll work for you.

Enhancing your health in these areas has the added benefit of improving your circulation, testosterone levels, mental health and overall sense of well-being, all of which contribute to a healthy sex life.

Address ED directly

Mitigating the effects of diabetes on sexual function must begin by addressing the underlying health issues listed above. However, there are more options available to men facing issues with erectile dysfunction than at any time in history.

Speak with your doctor about the issues you're having and learn which approach is going to be best given the severity of your erectile dysfunction. Drugs containing phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil and tadalafil (known better respectively by their brand names, Viagra and Cialis), are used by millions of men to help achieve their erections. There are other options available, as well, including wearable products such as vacuum pumps and constriction devices such as Eddie by Giddy^Ⓡ, that are designed to optimize blood flow in the penis for achieving and maintaining erections. Many of these wearables don’t require medications or trips to a doctor.

Modern medicine has given us a cornucopia of extraordinary medications to help people. However, it's essential to fully understand any potential interactions between the medication regimen you already have, especially if you're using prescribed medication to combat diabetes or high blood pressure. Ask your doctor about potential contraindications.

Talk about it

Ensure all conversations about your diabetes management with your doctor, therapist or partner take into account both diabetes and ED. The more we learn about the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction, the more we discover that physical causes have more to do with ED than previously thought.

We know that stress, depression and anxiety are major contributors to erectile dysfunction. However, we're rapidly discovering how high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, obesity, sleep disorders, heart disease and low testosterone are also parts of the ED equation.

It's crucial as we move forward toward a greater understanding of erectile dysfunction that we all learn how to talk about the subject openly and honestly. This will help overcome the stigma that often surrounds ED.

A straightforward approach with both your doctor and partner is really the only way to get the help you need to overcome erectile dysfunction. Keeping it locked up inside stops you from getting the medical attention you need and is also a recipe for ongoing mental trauma and stress, which will make things even worse.

Erectile dysfunction and diabetes affect millions of older men in the United States. Adopt a healthy, open approach to both conditions and it's possible you'll keep them in check and continue living a fulfilling life with lots of good sex.

Giddy Urologist Dr. Edwin Morales explains the connection between diabetes and erectile dysfunction in the ED Guide video series. Click here to watch the video.