What Role Does Diabetes Play in Your Sex Life?

Blindness, amputations, kidney failure... These are some of the complications that come to mind when we think of poorly controlled diabetes. Even though not as serious, the sexual complications can be devastating. There are many, many reasons for controlling your blood sugar level and if for no other reason, do it to save your sex life. Below are some of the complications you can run into if you don't.

Although there are other causes, diabetes can cause vaginal dryness. This can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable for both the man and the woman. Luckily, this is one complication that is easily resolved with a good store bought lubricant. Be sure to check with your doctor to assure your dryness isn't the result of something else that could make sex dangerous.

The nerve damage caused by diabetes can affect your genital area. This lessening in skin sensation can make it more difficult for a woman to reach orgasm. This difficulty can cause undo stress on both partners as the women feels pressure to reach it and the man feels as if he is inadequate for not bringing her to it.

This same nerve damage can also cause erectile dysfunction in men. The rush of blood that makes an erection is the result of nerve signals from the brain to the penis.

Poorly controlled diabetes can reduce testosterone levels. The reduction of this hormone can result in a decrease in sex drive.

Neuropathy, associated with uncontrolled diabetes, can cause a heightened sense of pain. This pain can cause sexual intercourse to hurt.

Exercising can cause blood sugar levels to drop or go high. Since sex is exercise, the same applies.

If poorly controlled diabetes leads to an amputation, this loss of limb can make sex more difficult for both partners.

Other illnesses seem to follow diabetes. High cholesterol and high blood pressure, just to name a few. When several medications are combined, it can decrease ones sex drive.

Both men and women are more susceptible to yeast infections when their blood sugar levels are not being managed properly. They can cause pain for men and women during sexual intercourse as well as during urination for men.

Diabetes doesn't have to be a death sentence for your sex life. Managing your blood sugar levels will alleviate most of the complications mentioned. It's important to talk to your partner about any issues that arise in the bedroom before they become a serious problem. Doctors and other professionals are always willing to help you understand what is causing your problems and help you come up with a solution. The most important thing you can do is start making the necessary changes to control your diabetes. Right now!