Sexual problems are common among people with diabetes. Both men and women with diabetes experience sexual difficulties as a result of complications from diabetes.
Although no official statistics are available for the extent of problems in India, it is estimated that 50-70% of male and 40-50% of females with high blood sugar experience sexual difficulties because of nerve damage.
Sexual problems in men
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Erectile dysfunction or ED in short, is common in men with diabetes. It is due to poor long standing blood sugar control, which damages nerves and blood vessels. ED can also be due to high blood pressure, coronary artery disease linked to diabetes.
TREATMENT for ED caused by nerve damage varies widely and ranges from oral pills,vacuum pumps,pellets placed in urethra and shots directly into penis to surgery. Each method has its own advantage and disadvantage.
Sexual problems in diabetic women
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Research about female sexual problems in diabetic women is very limited. The symptoms include
-- inability to achieve orgasm
-- vaginal dryness before and after intercourse.
-- inadequate vaginal muscle relaxation to allow intercourse
-- loss of libido
-- pain with intercourse.
Cause include nerve damage,reduced blood flow to genital and vaginal tissues and hormonal changes.
Treatment includes vaginal lubricants,oral medications and hormone replacement therapy.
Taken from dr.ragiv kovil' s article on patients engage .