Erectile Dysfunction Diabetic

Erectile dysfunction is a common problem for men who have diabetes — but it's not inevitable. Consider prevention strategies, treatment options and more.

Erectile dysfunction — the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex — is common in men who have diabetes, especially those with type 2 diabetes. It can stem from damage to nerves and blood vessels caused by poor long-term blood sugar control.

Erectile dysfunction can also be linked to other conditions common in men with diabetes, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Erectile dysfunction might occur earlier in men with diabetes than in men without the disease. Difficulty maintaining an erection might even precede the diabetes diagnosis.

Having erectile dysfunction can be a real challenge. It can leave you and your partner feeling frustrated and discouraged. Take steps to cope with erectile dysfunction — and get your sex life back on track.

Talk to an expert

Many men are reluctant to discuss erectile dysfunction with their doctors. But don't let embarrassment keep you from getting help. One small conversation can make a big difference. Here's what to do:

• Tell your doctor what's going on. Your doctor will consider underlying causes of your erectile dysfunction and can give you information about medication and other erectile dysfunction treatments. Find out your options.
• Ask if there's anything you can do to better manage your diabetes.Improving your blood sugar levels can help prevent nerve and blood vessel damage that can lead to erectile dysfunction. You'll also feel better overall and improve your quality of life. Ask your doctor if you're taking the right steps to manage your diabetes.
• Ask about other health problems.It's common for men with diabetes to have other chronic conditions that can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. Work with your doctor to make sure you're addressing any other health problems.
• Check your medications. Ask your doctor if you're taking any medications that might be worsening your erectile problems, such as drugs used to treat depression or high blood pressure. Making a change to your medications might help.
• Seek counseling. Anxiety and stress can make erectile dysfunction worse. Erectile dysfunction can also have a negative impact on your relationship with your intimate partner. A psychologist, counselor or other mental health specialist can help you and your partner find ways to cope.

Consider your treatment options

A number of erectile dysfunction treatments are available. Ask your doctor if one of these may be a good choice for you:

• Oral medications. Erectile dysfunction medications include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca), vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) or avanafil (Stendra). These pills can help ease blood flow to your penis, making it easier to get and keep an erection. Check with your doctor to see whether one of these medications is a safe choice for you.
• Other medications.If pills aren't a good option for you, your doctor might recommend a tiny suppository you insert into the tip of your penis before sex. Another possibility is medication you inject into the base or side of your penis. Like oral medications, these drugs increase blood flow that helps you get and maintain an erection.
• Vacuum-constriction device. This device, also called a penis pump or a vacuum pump, is a hollow tube you put over your penis. It uses a pump to draw blood into your penis to create an erection.
  A band placed at the base of the penis maintains the erection after the tube is removed. This hand- or battery-powered device is simple to operate and has a low risk of problems.
  If a vacuum-constriction device is a good treatment choice for you, your doctor might recommend or prescribe a specific model. That way, you can be sure it suits your needs and that it's made by a reputable manufacturer.
• Penile implants. In cases where medications or a penis pump won't work, a surgical penis implant might be an option. Semirigid or inflatable penile implants are a safe and effective option for many men with erectile dysfunction.

Make good lifestyle choices

Don't underestimate the difference a few changes can make. Try these approaches to improve erectile dysfunction and your overall health:

• Stop smoking. Tobacco use, including smoking, narrows your blood vessels, which can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction. Smoking can also decrease levels of the chemical nitric oxide, which signals your body to allow blood flow to your penis.
  If you've tried to quit on your own but couldn't, don't give up — ask for help. There are a number of strategies to help you quit, including medications.
• Lose excess pounds. Being overweight can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.
• Include physical activity in your daily routine. Exercise can help with underlying conditions that play a part in erectile dysfunction in a number of ways, including reducing stress, helping you lose weight and increasing blood flow.
• Limit or cut out alcohol. Excess alcohol can contribute to erectile dysfunction. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.