Erectile dysfunction (erectile dysfunction, impotence)is a very common problem among diabetic men. This problem is four times more common in men with diabetes than in those without diabetes. In addition, erectile dysfunction occurs 10-15 years earlier in diabetic patients than in healthy men.
Erectional disorders due to diabetes occur due to neuropathy, atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, venous leakage or low testosterone levels.
- Neuropathyis a nervous system disorder. Under normal circumstances, when a man is sexually stimulated, his nervous system initiates an erection. In a man who develops diabetes-related neuropathy in the nerves leading to the penis, this reflex is impaired and erection does not occur. It is not known exactly how neuropathy occurs in diabetic patients, but it is thought that abnormal protein structures that occur due to high blood sugar may cause nerve damage.
- Atherosclerosis It is the hardening and thickening of blood vessels. During erection, the penis fills with blood and with sexual arousal, the arteries leading to the penis expand. If diabetic patients have atherosclerosis in their penile vessels, erection does not occur during sexual intercourse.
- Endothelium dysfunction. Endothelium is a membrane that covers all the vessels in the body. It is texture. High blood sugar in diabetic patients can damage this tissue and make blood circulation difficult. The production of nitric oxide, which is an important compound especially for erection, is affected by high blood sugar and erectile dysfunction occurs.
- Venous leak. The blood that fills the penis during erection remains in the penis throughout sexual intercourse. Meanwhile, the veins close and prevent blood from leaving the penis until sexual intercourse ends. In diabetic patients, this mechanism is also impaired and vein closure does not occur completely during erection.
- Low testosteroneis common in diabetic men. is a problem. Testosterone is a hormone necessary for sexual functions and this hormone decreases in diabetic patients. It may cause erectile dysfunction.
Diabetic patients who have erection problems are recommended to consult a physician. Sometimes this problem can be resolved by exercising more, keeping blood sugar under control, and quitting smoking. In addition to these, some drug treatments are also available. When these treatments do not work, penile injection treatments and surgical interventions may be considered.
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