Diabetes Sexual Effects: The Effect Diabetes Has on Sex

When children are diagnosed with diabetes, parents never worry about whether or not diabetes will affect their child in a sexual manner. However, adults who are diagnosed often wonder how their condition will change their sex life. Diabetes has the potential to affect sexual function in both men and women, according to Dr. James Semmens. In fact, while many adults without diabetes experience some sexual problems, those with diabetes are much more likely to experience these problems earlier in life.

For men, diabetes can lead to complications like impotence, which occurs in men with Type-1 diabetes and in men with Type-2 diabetes. This is due to the hardening of blood vessels in the erectile tissue of the penis. The hardening leads to decreased blood flow, which can make erection impossible. For adult men, impotence and the need to urinate more than usual can be two diabetic warning signs for those undiagnosed, states Dr. Semmens.
For women, the sexual changes aren't as straight-forward. Most often women may have more difficulty in trying to reach orgasm. In addition, being a female diabetic can mean the body hardens blood vessels around the vaginal wall more often than in non-diabetics. This can cause the vagina to be overly dry and can not only make arousal difficult but lead to recurring yeast infections.

The extent to which diabetes affects sexual function in men and women can depend on the severity of the diabetic case and the age at which the diabetes began. Those who are diagnosed later in life often deal with the sexual problems better than those who are diagnosed as children or in their early 20s. To help prevent these problems from occurring, it's important for the patient to control their diabetes through diet, medication, and exercise.

While sexual problems can be devastating for many young adults, keeping control of your diabetes can help you avoid problems altogether. In fact, a well control blood sugar level can mean no problems sexually at all. Not only does keeping your diet and medication under control help you live a longer and more fulfilling life, but it can also help you function normally in the bedroom. Being honest with your doctor about your sexual side effects can be the best way to conquer your side effects. A doctor can work with you to ensure you are getting the best treatment, with the fewest side effects possible.