Can Diabetes Cause Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women? Diabetes is one of the most common chronic health conditions in the United States, affecting tens of millions of Americans. While people are generally aware of some of the long-term health effects of the disease, a lesser-known issue for those who have diabetes is sexual dysfunction. Preventing diabetes or managing it if you already have it can help prevent complications, including sexual dysfunction. So, Las Vegas, NV area residents who have the disease or are at a higher risk should consult with double board-certified physician Dr. Raj Singh MD and the HEALOR™ team.
What is diabetes?
In a person with diabetes, their body fails to produce sufficient amounts of the hormone insulin or uses the insulin it does produce inefficiently. Without effective insulin production, the glucose our bodies create from the food we eat remains in the blood. Diabetes consists of two main types, Type 1 and Type 2, but over time, both types can cause organ damage that results in death. For Las Vegas, NV residents, Dr. Singh and the team at HEALOR™ will use blood tests to diagnose diabetes.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Symptoms of diabetes are mostly consistent across both types of the disease, including frequent urination, increased thirst, unintended weight loss, fatigue, extreme hunger, mood changes, irritability, and blurry vision. One symptom of Type 2 that’s not usually present in Type 1 is tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands or feet.
What are the long-term complications of diabetes?
In many cases, diabetes can be successfully managed, though there is no cure for diabetes. The long-term health implications of diabetes affect nearly every system of the body, and it can increase your risk of death from stroke, heart disease, or organ damage.
Here is a look at some of the most common complications from diabetes:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Angina
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Atherosclerosis
- Neuropathy
- Limb loss
- Kidney disease
- Eye damage
- Bacterial and fungal infections of the skin
- Hearing impairment
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Depression
- Sexual dysfunction
Can diabetes cause sexual dysfunction in men and women?
Yes, in fact, sexual dysfunction is common in men and women with diabetes. Studies have estimated that as many as 75% of men with diabetes will have erectile dysfunction (ED) during their lives, and men who have diabetes develop age-related ED 10 – 15 years earlier than men who don’t have diabetes.
One reason why men with diabetes have higher rates of ED is that the disease can cause damage to blood vessels, nerves, and muscles, which can affect those required to achieve and maintain an erection.
Sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes is as common as men with the disease, with similar percentages of women who have diabetes reporting some degree of sexual dysfunction. The most common are lack of vaginal lubrication, decreased sexual desire, and orgasmic dysfunction. As with men, it’s suspected that diabetes-related decreased blood flow and nerve damage contribute to sexual dysfunction for women with diabetes.
Consult with our team of experts today
Diabetes does not have to be a death sentence, and that extends to your sex life. Dr. Raj Singh and the team at HEALOR™ in Las Vegas, NV can help you manage your diabetes and avoid complications like sexual dysfunction. Schedule a consultation with our team today to prevent diabetes from destroying this important part of your life.
