Is the Libido impacted by Diabetes?
What is Libido?
Sex drive is another term for libido, another word for sexual appetite. Your libido can be affected by a range of internal and external causes. Which range from hormone levels to medications to sleep habits. Everyone’s libido is different, but most people feel a reduction in libido as they mature.
A reduction in diabetes affects libido or lack of sex drive. Which is a common sexual health problem in people with type 2 diabetes. Each person’s reasons for sexual dysfunction are unique. Your doctor’s job is to work to figure out what’s the cause of your problems. Some people, on the other hand, go years without proper guidance from their doctor.
There are a number of reasons why people with diabetes have more sexual dysfunction than the rest of the population.
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Depression
Above mentioned are all common problems of diabetes. Obesity can cause erectile dysfunction in the long run (ED). Sleep apnea can trigger ED in men and increase the risk of sexual problems in women. Depression and anxiety may impair libido and contribute to the use of medications that affect sexual interest or work.
Emotional health concerns
Insulin pump users. Both men and women can be self-conscious about their appearance. Additionally, the time and effort spent to manage diabetes and associated conditions can have a negative impact on mental well-being. This may result in a lack of interest in sex or the use of a drug that impairs sexual function.
Hormonal changes
Changes in testosterone or oestrogen (due to diabetes, menopause, or co-occurring conditions) can affect libido, lubrication, and sexual arousal.
Less blood flow
Diabetes has an effect on blood flow, which can affect blood flow to the penis or vaginal area. Blood must flow to the penis in order for a man to obtain and maintain an erection. Vaginal dryness in women can be caused by reduced blood flow.
Medication side effects
Medications for the high blood pressure may affect the ability to get or keep an erection. Furthermore, some antidepressants and anxiety drugs have a reputation for sexual interest.
Nerve damage
”Excess glucose in the bloodstream will damage nerves. The clitoris and the tip of the penis are densely packed with nerves. If those nerves are affected, reduced sexual sensation or even painful intercourse can result.
Causes of a low libido associated with type 2 diabetes include:
- Side effects of medications for high blood pressure or depression
- Lack of energy
- Depression
- Hormonal changes
- Stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
Diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a form of nerve damage linked to diabetes that can lead to sexual problems. The genitals may also experience numbness, discomfort, or a loss of sensation. Erectile dysfunction may result as a result of this (ED).
Neuropathy can also find it difficult to experience sexual arousal or suppress orgasm. Sex may be uncomfortable or unpleasant as a result of these side effects.
Relationship concerns
It is important for partners to communicate about any sexual issues. A lack of communication can damage a relationship’s sexual and intimate aspects.
Couples can easily check out of a relationship sexually due to a health condition. It may seem to be easier to avoid discussing the problem than to pursue a solution at times.
When one partner takes on the role of primary caregiver for the other. It can affect how they see each other. It’s all can temp to get wrapped up in the roles of “patient” and “caregiver” and lose sight of the romance.
Sexual health issues affecting both men and women
A reduction in libido, or lack of sex drive, is a common sexual health problem in people with type 2 diabetes. This can be aggravated if you had a strong libido and a fulfilled sex life before being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Sexual health issues specific to men
ED is the most frequently identified sexual health problem among diabetic men. When a man receives care for ED, he may be diagnosed with diabetes.
Damage to the nerves, muscles, or vascular structures may result in an inability to achieve or sustain an erection before ejaculation. According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately half of all diabetic men will develop ED at some stage.
Certain medication’s side effects can affect testosterone levels, this results in ED. Other diabetes-related disorders may also lead to ED. They are as follows:
- Obesity
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem
- being inactive or not exercising sufficiently
Retrograde ejaculation
Another sexual health problem that men can encounter as a result of type 2 diabetes is retrograde ejaculation. It happens when sperm is ejected into the bladder rather than the penis.
It’s caused by a malfunction of the internal sphincter muscles. These muscles are in charge of open and close body passages. The sphincter muscles can be damaged by abnormally high glucose levels, which results in retrograde ejaculation.
Sexual health issues specific to women
Vaginal dryness is the most common sexual health problem associated with type 2 diabetes in women. Hormonal changes or decreased blood flow to the genitals may cause this.
Diabetes increases the risk of vaginal infections and inflammation in women. Any of these factors may make sex uncomfortable. Incontinence during sex can also be caused by nerve damage to the bladder.
Women with diabetes are even more likely to get urinary tract infections on a regular basis (UTIs). Sex may become unpleasant and uncomfortable as a result of this.
Type 2 Diabetes and Sexuality: Finding Solutions
Sexual disorder sufferers should talk with their healthcare providers about treatment options. While sexuality can be difficult to discuss. But it is an integral part of living a complete and healthy life. And sexual problems caused by diabetes can usually be treated.
If you have type 2 diabetes and if you experience sexual issues, as a result of the disease. You can start to use over-the-counter lubricants to alleviate vaginal dryness. Choose a water-based lubricant intended for sexual intercourse that won’t erode condoms or the diaphragm. Vaginal suppositories are another type of artificial lubrication that may be beneficial.
If you have erectile dysfunction, you have many choices to resume an active sex life, which may include one of the many ED prescription medications, vacuum pumps to inject blood into the penis, and penile implants.
Our Take
The best sex technique is to manage your diabetes. Good blood glucose control will help you avoid or manage sexual problems, so you can enjoy your life “Do whatever you want in sex. And, particularly if you’re young, what better motivator is there for diabetes control than having a fine, safe sex life?”
Dr. Soumya Hullanavar, a lead expert at Elite Ayurveda, will help you control your blood sugar level in the easiest way.
Related:
Diabetes & Insomnia: Is There A Relation?
How Diabetes Impacts Mental Health?
WHY DO LIVING IN A METRO MAKE PEOPLE TO BE DIABETIC IN EARLY LIFE?
