Diabetes and Impotence

QUESTION: I am 53 years old and I have diabetes. I am having difficulty sustaining an erection for intercourse. Is this caused by my diabetic condition or the aging process? What can I do?

ANSWER:  Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. In this case, both age and diabetes are risk factors in the development of ED.

ED is three to four times more common in diabetic men. In fact ED is found in over half of the men who have had diabetes for 10 years.

The longer the duration a person has had diabetes the more likely he will have ED. The risk increases further if there has been poor control or complications associated with the diabetes.

In addition, age is also a contributing factor. In fact, the prevalence of ED is only 9 percent in men aged 20-29 years but this rate rises gradually to more than 95 percent in men aged over 70 years.

Diabetes causes ED mainly by damaging the nerves that are responsible in transmitting the signal for erection in the penis.

The process is complex because there are additional factors like increased deposition of atherosclerosis or fats in the blood vessels that supply the penis, alteration of the muscles and tissues in the penis itself and the fact that many diabetic men also have lowered levels of the male hormone testosterone.

In your case, whether the ED is caused by the aging process or diabetes, you need to consult your doctor to ensure that your diabetic control is optimal.

Good control of your blood sugars will reduce damage to the nerves and blood vessels in your penis. You need to adhere to a healthy diet and increase the level of physical activity to improve your general health.

Consult your doctor regarding the use of oral medications called PDE 5 inhibitors as it will effectively restore your erection function.

However, do not make the mistake of buying the medication without seeing the doctor as optimal use of PDE 5 inhibitors requires wide clinical experience, which only a doctor can provide.

It's advisable to bring your wife along during consultation with the doctor as she has to understand how aging and diabetes can affect your erection quality.

Both of you, together with your doctor, can discuss the treatment options to attain the best option available.

Lastly, request for a blood check to determine if your level of testosterone is adequate because this, too, is easily correctable and can enhance your sexual experience.