The Link Between ED And Diabetes

There is a significant number of men who have diabetes and erectile dysfunction symptoms. It is estimated that about 35% to 75% of men with diabetes experience at least some degree of erectile dysfunction during their lifetime.

Men with diabetes also develop erectile dysfunction earlier. As men with diabetes age, erectile dysfunction becomes even more common - above the age of 70, there is about a 95% likelihood of having some difficulty with erectile dysfunction.

Why Is Diabetes Commonly Implicated In Erectile Dysfunction?

The reason why men with diabetes often have erectile dysfunction is complicated, but it boils down to impairments in nerve, blood vessel, and muscle function.

Getting an erection requires a lot of things to come together — there needs to be proper blood flow, nerve function, male hormones, and desire to be sexually stimulated. Diabetes interferes with some of these, namely blood flow and nerve function. As a result, getting a firm, quality erection can be difficult, even if the proper male hormones and sexual arousal are present.

What Is The Best Treatment For Men Who Have Diabetes And ED?

Men with diabetes can often pursue many of the ED treatment options available to anyone, but extra care should be taken in regard to taking prescription medications for ED such as Viagra or Cialis. These medications cause interactions with certain heart medications, and people with diabetes also tend to have problems with their heart. Talking to a doctor is necessary before pursuing a medication-based treatment route.

Beyond medications, there are several things available for ED such as injections, vacuum devices, and penile prosthesis. Additionally, for a natural, noninvasive treatment approach, you can learn more about the acoustic wave therapy treatment we provide at Multnomah Medical Clinic.