More than 38 million people in the United States have diabetes. About eight million of those people don't know they have it. Believe it or not, erectile dysfunction (ED) can also be a symptom of diabetes. In fact, half of men diagnosed with diabetes experience ED within ten years of their diagnosis.
"We see quite a few men for erectile dysfunction that end up being diagnosed with diabetes after their visit with us," says Jim Hotaling, MD, a urologist at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ of Utah Health. "Most people don't think about the penis being an indicator of other underlying health issues, but it really is a good barometer."
Symptoms of untreated diabetes include:
- Frequent urination
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and/or feet
Does Diabetes Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
In order to get an erection, men need healthy blood vessels and nerves. High blood sugar levels, a symptom of diabetes, can damage blood vessels as well as the nerves that control sexual stimulation. Because diabetes can cause the inner lining of blood vessels to function abnormally, it can affect blood flow to the penis, which is how you get and maintain an erection.
Managing your diabetes can stop the progression of ED, but sometimes symptoms don't improve because of nerve damage. There are many treatment options for ED if you don't see an improvement after getting your diabetes under control.
Diabetes & ED Treatment
There are several ED treatment options for men with diabetes, including:
- Oral medications: Prescribed by your doctor, oral medications typically work about 50% of the time.
Penile implants: A surgically inserted device helps you achieve an erection. Implants last 12-15 years on average.
Injection therapy: The penis is injected with a small needle when you want an erection.
"Erectile dysfunction is frustrating and stressful for men and their partners," Hotaling says. "It's not something people should 'just live with."
If you're struggling with ED, talk to your health care provider. Sometimes it's an unrelated problem. Other times, it can be linked to something more serious, like diabetes or heart disease. Regardless, it's worth getting treated.
