Sex and Type 2 Diabetes

Now, let's talk about sex and how type 2 diabetes affects your sexuality whether you be male or female. Isn't it as important as diabetic diets, blood sugar levels and physical activity? Couldn't it even be considered to be in the exercise category?
Sexual function in both males and females is incredibly complex and, as you are aware, involves a number of physical and emotional responses. The addition of type 2 diabetes may make extra planning and adjustment necessary. Let's put the male first ... does diabetes cause erectile dysfunction?
Well, yes it can. It's not unusual for a man over 50 to have some degree of impotency, or erectile dysfunction. It is often this factor that drives men to see their health care provider and after many other symptoms have been ignored, this is the one symptom that helps with the diagnosis of diabetes. There is an increased risk of impotency in men who have had diabetes for many years.
Why does this happen:

• as a result of damage to the blood vessels, restricting the flow of blood required to create an erection
• as a result of damage to the nerves, resulting in a lessening of sensation
• some diabetic medications taken
• also medications taken for related issues like high blood pressure or high cholesterol

Drinking too much and smoking can also cause erectile dysfunction.
Although male sexual problems get the most coverage, women have diabetes-related sexual issues also. Often women with type 2 diabetes consider themselves to be less sexually attractive, were less happy and dissatisfied with their sexual partner and sex life in general. Therefore they:

• are more likely to to avoid sex with their partner
• were less likely to lubricate adequately
• experience a lessening of sexual response due to nerve damage

The first line of defense against diabetes-related sexual difficulties, as with all diabetes complications, is to have tight control over your blood sugar levels. So following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking and losing weight are the base line treatments for type 2.
What should a man do when affected by erectile dysfunction?
If, in spite of your best efforts, problems persist ... talk to your health care provider ... he may send you to a urologist for evaluation. There are several ways to help resolve this issue:

• there are vacuum erection devices
• injection of a drug which causes blood to be pulled into the penis
• surgical implants are available
• and of course, Viagra, Levitra and Cialis ... all anti-impotency drugs approved by the FDA

Now it's the lady's turn:

• first, one thought is that as type 2 diabetes occurs later in life if may have a negative psychological effect and self-esteem becomes damaged. If this is so, then some kind of counseling would be in order
• there are creams available such as KY that can aid the lubrication issue
• ask your health care provider about Viagra for women

So, whether you are a male or female with type 2 diabetes, don't hesitate to bring up the subject of sex or sexual dysfunction with your health care provider.

Don't hesitate to speak up! There are treatments available for both men and women to help you enjoy a more satisfying sex life. And don't forget those blood sugar levels. Sexual problems or not, the first line of treatment for type 2 diabetes is weight loss as 90% diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight!.
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Beverleigh Piepers is a registered nurse who would like to help you understand how to live easily and happily with your Type 2 Diabetes.
http://drugfreetype2diabetes.com