The inability to achieve or maintain a sufficient erection for sexual intercourse is referred to as erectile dysfunction. Diabetes puts men at a higher risk of erectile dysfunction or impotence, especially if their diabetes is poorly managed. Erectile dysfunction indicates that you are unable to achieve a sufficient erection for sexual intercourse. Many men have brief spells of erectile dysfunction, but for roughly one in ten men, the condition persists.
Consult your healthcare expert if you are unable to obtain an erection. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED). Some medicines used to treat high blood pressure can also cause ED.
The correlation between Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction
The reasons why diabetic men are more prone to erectile dysfunction problems are not well known. We do know, however, that men with diabetes are more prone to develop erectile dysfunction if their diabetes is not effectively controlled.
Poor control may cause long-term harm to the nerves and circulation that control blood flow to the penis. Maintaining regular blood glucose levels will help lessen the likelihood of these problems happening.
ED with high blood pressure
High blood pressure wreaks havoc on your arteries. It can cause your arteries to become less flexible and narrow over time. Your blood flow is reduced as a result of this. It not only increases your risk of heart attack and stroke, but it also reduces the amount of blood that circulates to your penis. To achieve and maintain an erection, enough blood flow via the arteries is required.
High blood pressure, if left untreated, can lead to ED. However, some blood pressure remedies can impair sexual function and cause ED. It may appear to be a vicious circle, but it isn't always. ED is not caused by all high blood pressure remedies.
How does hypertension create erectile dysfunction?
When sexually stimulated, the brain sends messages to the nerves in and around the penis. These nerves induce more blood to flow into the penis, as well as tissue and blood vessels to relax and open up, allowing blood to flow into the penis and making it hard.
High blood pressure can harm your blood vessels all over your body, including those in or leading to your penis. They can become excessively narrow (a condition known as atherosclerosis), preventing enough blood from flowing through them.
Erectile dysfunction diagnosis
The treatment for erectile dysfunction is determined by the underlying cause. It is critical to consult with your healthcare expert about the issue. The answers to a few basic questions can often assist determine whether the condition is physical or psychological. Blood flow to the penis can be tested to see if it is impacted. Blood testing can also be used to establish whether hormone imbalances are causing erectile dysfunction.
Diabetes and blood pressure treatment is based on lifestyle modifications, many of which not only assist to lower blood glucose levels, but also strengthen the body and reduce the risk of ED. Better glycemic control has been found in clinical research to improve erections and lower the chance of getting ED.
Stress Reduction
Diabetes can cause mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, which can cause or worsen ED through psychological stress. Overcoming stress can be addressed in a variety of methods, including meditation and counseling.
Quitting smoking
Smoking raises your blood pressure, this, over time, can damage small blood vessels in your penis, increasing your risk of ED. It's even worse if you have diabetes, which can damage blood vessels.
Reducing fat and cholesterol in your diet
Studies have indicated that men with high cholesterol are more likely to develop ED and that implementing dietary modifications to lower fat and cholesterol levels can help minimize this risk.
Exercising and losing weight
Losing weight is crucial for obese or overweight men with diabetes since it can help lower blood glucose levels and boost blood circulation. These enhancements may also aid in the treatment of ED. Weight loss has been shown in clinical tests to be an effective method of recovering sexual function in many men.
References
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/diabetes-and-erectile-dysfunction
- https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-and-men.html
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9121-sexual-dysfunction
- https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/your-blood-pressure/understanding-your-blood-pressure/why-is-high-blood-pressure-a-problem/erectile-dysfunction-and-high-blood-pressure/
