Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 12:39 pm

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue among men, affecting approximately 50% of men over the age of 50. However, men with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing ED, with up to 75% of men with diabetes experiencing some degree of ED. Here are 10 things every man needs to know about the connection between diabetes and ED.

Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves.

Diabetes affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin effectively, leading to high levels of blood sugar. Long-term high blood sugar levels can harm all of the body’s blood vessels and nerves, including those that feed the penis. This can impair the ability of the penis to become erect.

ED may be a precursor to diabetes.

In some cases, ED can be the first symptom of diabetes, particularly in men under the age of 45. If you are experiencing ED, it is important to speak to your doctor about getting screened for diabetes.

Controlling blood sugar levels can improve ED.

Managing blood sugar levels through medication, diet, and exercise can help improve ED. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men with diabetes who maintained good blood sugar control were less likely to experience ED than those with poor blood sugar control.

Lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes-related ED.

Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet, can help reduce the risk of developing ED in men with diabetes. It can be advantageous to stop smoking and drink less alcohol.

ED medications can be effective for men with diabetes.

Oral medications such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis) are often used to treat ED. By boosting blood flow to the penis, these drugs assist in improving erectile function in men. Studies have shown that these medications are effective for men with diabetes, although they may not work as well as they do in men without diabetes.

Vacuum devices can help improve erectile function.

Vacuum devices, also known as penis pumps, can be used to help improve erectile function. These gadgets function by drawing blood into the penis and causing an erection by generating a vacuum surrounding it. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that vacuum devices were effective in improving erectile function in men with diabetes.

Penile injections can also be used to treat ED.

Penile injections, also known as intracavernosal injections, involve injecting a medication directly into the penis to help improve erectile function. These injections are usually used when oral medications are not effective or are not recommended. Studies have shown that penile injections are effective in improving erectile function in men with diabetes.

Surgery can be an option for some men with diabetes-related ED.

In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat ED in men with diabetes. Procedures such as penile implants, which involve surgically inserting an inflatable or malleable device into the penis, can be effective in improving erectile function.

Modern non-invasive treatment options for ED

Shockwave therapy

Men with erectile dysfunction may benefit from shockwave therapy. Shockwave therapy for ED allows the patient to have a stronger erection by creating new blood vessels, rejuvenating those that currently present, and substantially improving the nerve and other surrounding tissues.

Shockwave therapy has showed promise as a treatment for ED in a number of trials. For example, shockwave therapy boosted erectile function in men with ED who had not responded to conventional therapies, according to a research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. Another research revealed that shockwave treatment improved erectile function in males with mild to moderate ED. The International Journal of Impotence Research carried out this research. Speculation surrounds the precise mechanism through which shockwave treatment treats ED. However, it is believed that by boosting blood flow to the region and encouraging the release of growth factors, shockwaves may encourage the creation of new blood vessels in the penis. Furthermore, the shockwaves might be helpful in removing plaque that has accumulated in the penis’ blood arteries, which would enhance blood flow and erectile performance.

EMTT therapy

Patients with diabetes can overcome their erectile dysfunction by receiving EMTT therapy, also known as electromagnetic transduction therapy. EMTT for ED works at the cellular level, which is tiny. Endothelial cells in the millions of blood vessels that make up the penis are subjected to a powerful magnetic field. These cells enhance the patient’s general environment to promote quicker healing and the return of sexual function to normal levels. Also, they deliver nutrients, supply energy, and promote cell renewal.

Tesla Chair

The Tesla Chair is an innovative new piece of medical technology that uses functional magnetic stimulation. Functional Magnetic Stimulation on the Tesla Chair stimulates deep muscle structures with electro-magnetic energy, triggering the body’s motor nervous system and forcing the muscles to contract, resulting in development of muscle that is larger, stronger, and tighter. Moreover, this unique device manages to achieve it without coming into contact with the skin. Although the Tesla Chair releases powerful electromagnetic waves that are directed at the pelvic region, the patient sits in it while fully dressed. The relaxing and safe Tesla Chair provides a magnetic field intensity of up to 1.7 Tesla.

According to MansMatters, which is a specialized men’s health clinic situated in the UK, Tesla Chair for ED works best when used in conjunction with shockwave therapy, EMTT therapy and NanoVi. NanoVi is also a non-invasive treatment option for ED. These non-invasive treatment options have gained a lot of popularity in recent years. Even if the patients are suffering from diabetes, these treatments are very much effective in treating Erectile Dysfunction of those patients.

Psychological factors can contribute to ED.

Psychological factors, such as anxiety, depression, and relationship problems, can contribute to ED. Men with diabetes may be more susceptible to these factors, as they may experience additional stress related to managing their condition. Seeking counseling or therapy can be helpful in addressing these issues.

The quality of life can be significantly impacted by ED.

A man’s quality of life can be significantly impacted by ED, which can have an influence on his relationships, self-worth, and general well-being. It is important to seek treatment for ED, as effective treatments are available and can help improve erectile function and quality of life.

Here are some additional points to consider when it comes to ED and diabetes:

ED may be an indication of further medical issues.

In addition to being a potential early sign of diabetes, ED can also be a warning sign of other health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These conditions can also damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, including those in the penis, and can lead to ED. If you are experiencing ED, it is important to speak to your doctor about other health issues that may be contributing to this condition.

Diabetes-related nerve damage can affect sexual function.

In addition to damaging blood vessels, diabetes can also damage nerves throughout the body, including those that control sexual function. This can lead to a condition known as diabetic neuropathy, which can cause numbness, tingling, or pain in the penis, as well as reduced sensitivity and difficulty achieving an erection. Managing blood sugar levels and treating neuropathy can help improve sexual function in men with diabetes.

The use of testosterone replacement treatment could enhance sexual performance.

Low testosterone levels can contribute to ED, and men with diabetes may be at an increased risk of testosterone deficiency. Testosterone replacement therapy may be recommended to help improve sexual function in men with diabetes who have low testosterone levels.

ED can be a side effect of some diabetes medications.

Some medications used to treat diabetes, such as insulin and certain oral medications, can contribute to ED. If you are experiencing ED and are taking medication for diabetes, it is important to speak to your doctor about adjusting your medication regimen.

Lifestyle changes can improve diabetes-related ED.

Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking, can help improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes, including ED. In addition, addressing underlying psychological factors, such as stress and anxiety, can also help improve sexual function.

Communication is key.

If you are experiencing ED, it is important to communicate with your partner about this issue. ED can be a source of stress and anxiety in relationships, but open communication can help reduce the impact of this condition on your relationship. It is also important to communicate with your healthcare provider about any concerns you have related to ED or diabetes, as they can provide information and guidance on managing this condition.

So, ED is a common issue among men with diabetes, but there are many options available for managing this condition. By maintaining good blood sugar control, making healthy lifestyle choices, seeking appropriate medical treatment, and communicating openly with partners and healthcare providers, men with diabetes can improve their sexual function and overall quality of life.