Can Diabetic Neuropathy Cause Erectile Dysfunction? Let’s Ask Dr PK Gupta!
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual issue among men with diabetes. Why is it like this? To know that we need to learn about diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic Neuropathy plays a big role in ED in men. Diabetes is a common occurrence in the world with around 77 million adults diagnosed with it as per the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). This situation makes us want to learn how diabetic neuropathy causes erectile dysfunction. Let’s check the answers of a famous sexologist in Delhi, Dr PK Gupta.
What is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels in people. In other words, it is a complication of diabetes that damages nerves and causes pain, numbness, and some other issues. If your neuropathy is automatic then it can disrupt functions like regulation of blood pressure and sexual health.
Link Between Diabetic Neuropathy & Erectile Dysfunction
To understand the link between diabetic neuropathy and erectile dysfunction we need to understand what is ED. Erectile dysfunction is caused when there’s an inadequate blood supply to the penile tissues, or when the nerve systems required for erection are impaired.
Diabetic neuropathy causes or worsens your ED by these:
- Diabetes damages the nerves that transmit signals from the brain to the genitals.
- Vascular complications can impair blood flow which causes uncontrolled diabetes.
- It reduces sensation in the genital area which leads to diminished arousal and performance issues.
Common Occurance of ED in Indian Diabetic Men
Want to learn some facts about diabetic neuropathy-induced ED? Research indicates that around 50-70% of Indian men with diabetes experience ED. Complications like neuropathy are often the reason. Lifestyle habits in India such as high consumption of carbohydrate-rich diets, sedentary life, and stress, are some factors that cause diabetes and ED.
Let’s Recognize the Signs of Diabetic Neuropathy-Linked ED
- Reduced sensitivity in the genital area.
- Difficulty maintaining and achieving an erection.
- A typical early sign is the loss of morning wood (morning erection).
- A tingling or burning sensation in the lower limbs indicates progressive nerve damage.
How to Manage and Prevent ED in Diabetic Men?
If you wish to manage or prevent diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction you would need to change your lifestyle habits. Besides that, there are five ways to prevent ED in diabetic men:
- Control Blood Sugar – Firstly, you must keep your diabetes under control. If you keep HbA1c levels below 7% it might slow the progression of neuropathy.
- Lifestyle Changes – To manage your ED you must keep a balanced diet, do not eat fast food, exercise regularly, and manage stress by doing yoga and meditation.
- Medications – You can take medicines too, however, only after a professional’s prescription. The most common medicines for this situation are PDE5 inhibitors like Sildenafil. However, even they might not be effective if your neuropathy is severe.
- Other Therapies – Besides medication, you can choose other therapies or ways. Right now in India, ayurvedic treatments and yoga are popular for managing diabetes.
- Professional Help – The last option for you to treat your ED is through professional help. Contact a sexologist and go through therapy with them. Addressing psychological factors with therapy can improve outcomes.
Government Initiatives and Accessibility in India for Diabetic Neuropathy Linked ED
The Indian government has taken many initiatives to stop diabetic neuropathy-induced ED. There are programs like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS). These programs increase awareness and provide affordable treatment for diabetes-related complications. Still, the undeveloped rural healthcare infrastructure makes early detection and treatment a challenge.
To sum everything up, diabetic neuropathy-induced erectile dysfunction is common among Indian men. Hence, managing and preventing this issue is necessary. If you are noticing any sign of this condition, instantly contact a sexologist. Dr PK Gupta is a popular and qualified sexologist who has experience in treating this condition. Contact him for a check-up right away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can diabetic neuropathy be reversed?
Diabetic neuropathy is difficult to reverse, but you can slow or manage its progression with strict blood sugar control and a healthy lifestyle.
Is erectile dysfunction a permanent condition in diabetes?
No Ed is not a permanent condition in diabetes if you manage your diabetes, change your lifestyle, and receive medical help.
What are the specific treatments for ED caused by diabetic neuropathy?
The specific treatments for ED caused by diabetes are PDE5 inhibitors such as Tadalafil and Sildenafil, vacuum erection devices (VEDs), penile injections and implants in severe cases, and counseling for psychological support.
