7 Sexual Health Issues Caused Due To Uncontrolled Diabetes
Poorly controlled blood sugar levels for a long time can lead to serious complications, including varied sexual problems. Yes, you read it right! Diabetes is an increasingly prevalent problem that has been associated very strongly with sexual problems in both men and women. Numerous studies have also claimed that high blood sugar is behind many sexual problems people face, and the first line of action is to improve glucose control. Knowing how your blood sugar level can affect your sex life will motivate you to keep a close watch on how your diabetes management is progressing. So if your sex drive is slowed down, first look at your diabetes management and then take steps.
Read the blog to know how uncontrolled diabetes can cause sexual-related health hassles and also learn the solutions to resolve them.
Recognize 7 Sexual Health Issues That Happen Due To Uncontrolled Diabetes
1. Erectile dysfunction (ED)
ED affects the ability to get and maintain an erection for satisfactory intercourse. Having high blood sugar for a longer duration results in damage to nerves and blood vessels throughout the body. In men with chronic unmanaged diabetes, the changes of ED doubles due to:
- Inadequate blood flow to the penis
- Nerve dysfunction in the penis
- A lack of sexually enticing stimulation, as perceived by your brain
Solutions to resolve this issue:
- Include garlic in your daily diet: Allicin, a component found in garlic, is known to improve blood flow and control glucose levels in the blood. Thus it is a known remedy to deal with erectile dysfunction due to diabetes. Chewing 2 to 3 cloves of raw garlic daily on an empty stomach, for at least three to four months, may help reverse ED.
- Get some ginger: With its aphrodisiac properties, ginger helps to stimulate blood circulation and relieve problems of impotence and premature ejaculation. Drink two or three cups of ginger tea every day.
2. Frequent vaginal infections and dryness
Women who have diabetes are more prone to vaginal infections and dryness, which can make sexual intercourse incredibly painful. It is found that people with uncontrolled diabetes have a relative lack of psoriasin, an important natural antibiotic that protects against urinary tract infections.
Solutions to resolve this issue:
- Apply organic coconut oil or diluted tea tree oil (with jojoba carrier oil) directly to the affected area can help to heal the infection. Daily intake of plain Greek yogurt (without any added sugar) and probiotic supplements may also effectively soothe the infection.
- Use sugar-free vaginal lubricants to fix dryness and make sex feel better.
3. Low levels of testosterone
Many men with diabetes often feel depressed, and tired, and experience low libido. Most of these men have lower-than-normal levels of testosterone (the male sex hormone), which can affect their desire for sex.
Solutions to resolve this issue:
- Eat a diet rich in zinc once a week because it helps in testosterone production. Some of the best sources of zinc include red meat and crabs like cashew nuts.
4. Low sexual desire
Many women with diabetes usually do not feel sexually aroused. As high blood sugar affects vaginal lubrication and this may lead to painful intercourse. Thus, most diabetic women try to avoid intimate moments.
Solutions to resolve this issue:
- Consume omega-3 fatty acids-based foods such as raw pumpkin, sunflower seeds, mackerel, tuna, or salmon to curb vaginal dryness. Bananas may help to increase female hormone levels and improve sex drive.
5. Bladder problems
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, people with diabetes can face blood vessel and nerve damage due to the effects of high blood glucose levels. And this can make sexual and bladder problems worse.
A solution to resolve this issue:
- Managing diabetes is the key to preventing such problems.
6. Retrograde ejaculation
Although rarely, men with diabetes can also experience retrograde ejaculation. It is a condition in which poor blood sugar control, over a long-term period, leads to neuropathy of the bladder. Due to this, semen goes backward and enters the urinary bladder instead of coming out through the urethra, while orgasm. This may lead to male infertility.
A solution to resolve the issue:
- Various herbs such as Shatavari, Gokharu, Musli, Shankhpushpi, Ashwagandha have been found to effectively reverse retrograde ejaculation. Consult an Ayurveda specialist to know more about using these herbs.
7. Lowers fertility rate
Diabetes is especially a cause of concern because of the range of male as well as female fertility issues it can lead to. Women who have diabetes can find it particularly difficult to get pregnant. Type 2 diabetes can cause frequent miscarriages and birth defects too. High levels of blood sugar in men can affect the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg.
Solutions to this issue:
- Monitor regularly blood sugar levels, eating a healthy diet, regular physical activity, being in the healthy weight range, reducing stress and anxiety, and quitting smoking are a few ways to keep diabetes in control and increase fertility chances.
Conclusion
Keeping a close watch on your glucose levels will make it possible for you to reduce these complications. Simple lifestyle changes such as eating right and exercising regularly can help you manage your diabetes better.
For any query related to diabetes-associated complications, you can consult an Endocrinologist at Ask a Doctor 24x7.
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Disclaimer: Information provided on this page is not intended to substitute for proper medical advice provided by your healthcare professional. This is only for informational purposes.
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