We live in an overly sexualized society that isn’t scared to push limits in books, magazines, radio, film, or television, yet when it comes to our health, we’re incredibly hesitant about sex. Despite the fact that individuals with diabetes are more likely to experience sexual difficulties, just roughly 50% of men and 19% of women with the disease had discussed it with a physician at Sex and Diabetes, according to a study published in Diabetes Care.
And, truth is, many doctors don’t feel comfortable prodding patients for details on sexual function. It’s why the newly diagnosed quickly learn about their risk for eye, nerve, kidney and heart complications, but hardly ever hear how diabetes affects sexual health. It is important for people to be open and honest with their doctors regarding all health concerns—even problems with sexual function. Problems with sexual performance and satisfaction can signal other health issues at Sex and Diabetes.
Many men with erectile dysfunction, for instance, later learn that they have diabetes. For people who already have diabetes, sexual problems can indicate nerve damage, blocked arteries, and even out-of-whack hormones. Though there’s a lot yet to learn about sexual dysfunction in people with diabetes, researchers are certain of one thing: Chronic high blood glucose (or blood sugar) is behind many sexual problems people face, and the first line of action is to improve glucose control at Sex and Diabetes.
What’s the deal with low libido?
Low libido, or sexual desire, is a real problem—and one that affects people with diabetes more than those without. Men and women experience low libido as a result of poorly managed diabetes. If your sex drive is stalled, first look to your diabetes management and take steps to lower your blood glucose levels. Then consider your medications. Certain drugs, such as antidepressants, can lower sexual desire, so be sure to talk to your doctor at Sex and Diabetes.
According to research, inflammation may potentially stifle desire. Since sexual desire is a brain-driven phenomenon, it is possible that the desire for sex could be impacted if inflammatory chemicals are able to pass through the blood-brain barrier and circulate in the part of the brain associated with sexual desire. Low testosterone, which frequently affects both men and women with diabetes at Sex and Diabetes, is another potential culprit.
What About Arousal?
There’s a difference between desire and arousal. First, sexual desire must occur; then the body responds, signaling arousal. That is, if everything’s working properly. Both men and women with diabetes may feel desire but struggle with arousal problems, though the mechanisms behind this sexual dysfunction are better studied and understood in men. For both men and women, a good place to start looking for possible causes is your medicine cabinet. Some blood pressure-lowering medications, for instance, can contribute to erectile dysfunction. When meds aren’t behind a person’s hampered arousal, diabetes may be to blame. Poor diabetes management over time can damage the blood vessels and nerves—as it does in heart disease and neuropathy (nerve damage)—that make arousal possible at Sex and Diabetes.
The Big O—Orgasms
An orgasm is a sought-after sexual reward, but for people with diabetes it can feel like an unattainable goal. And, yes, we’re talking about women and men here. Both can struggle with the elusive O, and the first thing they and their doctors should check are the medications they take, such as antidepressants at Sex and Diabetes.
What if I’m Experiencing Pain?
Sex is supposed to bring you and your partner pleasure, so pain is an indication that something isn’t right. Even if you’re shy, it’s important to discuss issues of painful sex with a doctor at Sex and Diabetes.
What Can I Do?
So maybe your sex life isn’t where it should be. If you can admit that to your health care provider, you’ve already fought half of the battle. Depending on the extent of your sexual dysfunction, you may be able to see improvement by getting your blood glucose into your target range. Even if the complications are too severe to reverse with better diabetes management alone, keeping your blood glucose levels in line can help to prevent further damage. Another tip: Quit smoking. It’s linked to sexual problems, and it is all-around bad news for the rest of your body at Sex and Diabetes.
There are several approaches that both men and women benefit from, including seeing a doctor who specializes in sexual medicine and talking with a mental health professional. The latter is an important step because relationship problems, body issues, stress and a host of other emotional baggage can affect all aspects of your sex life. You may be too self-conscious to get in the mood or get aroused, or maybe you’re too stressed to have an orgasm at Sex and Diabetes.
A counselor can also help you and your partner work out any strain your sexual dysfunction may have caused. It creates such emotional tension in a relationship that can permeate the entire relationship—not just in the bedroom. So talk it out and find a way to work around your sexual problems at Sex and Diabetes.
Finally, consider making lifestyle changes. Managing your diabetes well, including eating healthy foods, exercising regularly and reducing stress, will benefit your entire body, not just your nether regions. It’s very likely that a good sex life leads to better health—and better health leads to good sex at Sex and Diabetes.