No sweets! Type 2 diabetes and sex: influence and solutions
Sex is important for health and quality of life. When people suffer from chronic illnesses, sex usually takes a backseat. However, despite all the hurts and troubles they face, people still want to have sex. People with type 2 diabetes are no exception. Understanding and recognizing sexual problems in diabetics is critical. Difficulties in bed can occur in both men and women.
Contents of the article:
Sexual problems for women and men
The main problem for people with type 2 diabetes is decreased libido or lack of sexual desire. This can be a serious blow to young people who had regular sex before becoming ill. Why does libido decrease? This can happen for a number of reasons:
- Side effects of antihypertensive and antidepressant drugs;
- Reducing energy resources;
- Depression
- Hormonal changes;
- Stress; anxiety;
- Personal experience.
Diabetic polyneuropathy
Diabetic polyneuropathy is a specific peripheral nerve disorder caused by elevated blood glucose levels that can contribute to decreased sexual activity. Numbness, pain and decreased sensation, which usually occur in the lower extremities, can spread to the genitals. This increases the risk of developing erectile dysfunction.
Damage to peripheral nerves can also affect orgasm, suppressing it and preventing sexual arousal from being achieved. Of course, such sex can become uncomfortable and even painful.
Relationship problems
It is very important to discuss any problems that arise with your partner. Avoiding conversation will not solve the problem and will worsen the disagreements between lovers. Yes, it may seem much easier to hide the cause of your sexual problems. Frank conversation is not always easy or comfortable. But only in this way can couples begin to understand each other, put aside grievances and look for solutions.
Often one of the partners becomes a “nanny” for a sick lover. These roles of “nanny” and “patient” drive all romance out of the relationship. In this case, gender cannot be a subject of discussion.
Men”s problems
The main problem for men with diabetes is sexual dysfunction. There are many cases where diabetes was discovered only when a man sought help for erectile dysfunction. The problem is that the patient cannot get the penis to stand or keep it erect until he ejaculates. This is caused by damage to nerves, muscles and blood vessels caused by large amounts of glucose. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 50% of patients with type 2 diabetes suffer from sexual dysfunction.
Decreased testosterone levels are one of the side effects of certain medications that also affect sexual behavior. Other symptoms associated with diabetes can also lead to male impotence.
Retrograde ejaculation
This phenomenon is less common. This is a type of ejaculation in which sperm is released into the bladder cavity. This is because the nerves that control the opening and closing of the internal sphincter muscles during ejaculation are damaged by abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood. As a result, the sphincter does not function properly and sperm flows back into the bladder.
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Women”s problems
The main problem women face is vaginal dryness. This may be the result of hormonal changes and decreased blood flow to the reproductive organs. Women with diabetes are a group at very high risk of sexually transmitted infections and inflammation. The risk of urinary tract infections also increases due to a shorter and wider urethra.
In this state, sex can be painful. In addition, damage to peripheral nerves also applies to the nerves that control bladder function. Therefore, urinary incontinence during sex is also a common problem in women with diabetes.
How to maintain sexual activity
The sexual problems faced by people with diabetes can be very frightening and worrying. However, this is no reason to despair. You need to get together, get tested, and find ways to maintain sexual activity. Lifestyle changes, open conversations with your partner, and taking medications are just some of the ways to keep sex in your life.
Change time
Loss of energy and chronic fatigue almost always accompany diabetes. After a particularly hard day at work, sex is the last thing diabetics want. Therefore, evening is not the best time for sex. You can try having sex in the morning or early afternoon, when you still have energy.
Moisturizers
Lubricants can help compensate for the lack of lubrication during sex. Water-based products are ideal. Fortunately, there are many options on the market today. Don”t hesitate to briefly interrupt intercourse to add lubrication if needed.
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Drug therapy
Hormone replacement therapy can help prevent vaginal dryness, sexual dysfunction, and decreased libido. It”s important to consult your doctor to determine if this treatment option is right for you. Hormone therapy can be administered through patches, creams, pills, and hormonal injections.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Good health is essential for an active sex life. Remember, sex is exercise. So, be sure to check your glucose levels before intercourse. In fact, regularly taking sugar tolerance medications and insulin lowers blood glucose levels, while intense physical activity can lead to even more hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).
What”s good for your heart is good for your genitals. This is an undeniable fact. Therefore, it”s important to maintain unimpeded blood flow to vital organs. This can be achieved through regular exercise. Regular physical activity improves circulation, energy levels, and mood. Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence
Consult a doctor
Consult a doctor
Focus on your relationship
Focus on relationships
With proper diabetes treatment, sexual problems usually resolve. Maintaining sexual activity with diabetes is very difficult, but it”s worth striving for.
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