Diabetes Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction, But You Can Overcome It

Plenty of men suffer intermittent problems in the bedroom, but they're not always the result of knocking back one too many beers. Diabetes is a leading cause of erectile dysfunction (ED), which can cause additional issues in a man's life on top of diabetes. But don't give up on your love life just yet. With the right tips and changes to your lifestyle, problems in the bedroom can be a thing of the past.

Why men with diabetes are prone to ED

Around half of men with diabetes will experience erectile dysfunction at some time in their lives. While obesity is often a cause of ED and is commonly related to diabetes, the reason for the high incidence of ED in men with diabetes is more involved. Diabetes and its high blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels in the body, including in the penis, causing a man to have problems achieving or maintaining an erection, according to medical research.

Studies have also shown that diabetes can lower testosterone in men, with an even higher prevalence of low-T in those with type 2 diabetes. This can also lead to issues with intimacy and sexual desire.

Tips to help you overcome ED

Although ED can wear on you mentally and physically, it's not a death sentence for your sex life. However, you will have to make changes to your routines and lifestyle to ensure that you can enjoy sexual activity. Here are some tips to help you make healthier choices and boost your zest for sex.

Get moving

One of the best ways to lower your blood sugar levels and consequently help get you hard is to start exercising. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, this doesn't necessarily mean you have to become a gym rat—just start small. Go for a walk when you get home from work or set a 10-pound dumbbell by the couch and curl it during TV commercials. The idea is to do something that gets your blood flowing. You'll feel better and be on your way to lowering your risk for ED.

Cut the cancer sticks

Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you, so you probably don't want to hear another lecture about lighting up. But if you need to find a reason to quit, the mix of diabetes and smoking is a major destroyer of erections. Both conditions damage the blood vessels in your body, which only worsens as time goes on. So chew some gum, grab some sunflower seeds or do whatever you need to do. Just put the cigarette down.

Tackle your mental health issues

People with diabetes may be more prone to depression, anxiety and other mental health issues than the general population. This is due to various factors, such as heredity or brain chemistry, but it's also related to blood sugar in diabetes patients. If your blood sugar gets too high or too low, you may experience issues with depression that can lead to ED.

If you already suffer from clinical depression, you should consult your doctor about the best medications to take. Even if you have short periods of depression and anxiety, don't take them lightly. The more you let depression build up, the worse it can get over time, especially in people with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes. Try meditation, therapy or even just an additional round of exercise to help you cope with depression and ED.

Try a new approach

If none of these actions helps you control your ED, you might want to consider a different approach. One possibility is a vacuum erection device, or penis pump. These function by drawing blood into your member, which should allow you to maintain an erection for a longer time. If you need more assistance, even items such as a cock ring, which prevents the blood from leaving your penis, can help. It's a good idea to visit your urologist and discuss which treatment is the most appropriate for you.

Get your motor revving

If you're one of the many men with ED and diabetes, don't let your medical condition sideline your sex life. By starting a healthier lifestyle, following the advice of your doctor, and being open and direct with your partner, you should be able to beat ED. So dim the lights, turn on the tunes and prepare to impress. Not even diabetes can stop you this time.