A diabetic was shocked to find out that diabetes was the reason why he was having sexual problems and wasn’t able to “rise to the occasion.” Many diabetics are unaware of likely sexual problems. According to diabetologists, the population of diabetics in India will register a steep increase from 50 million in 2010 to 87 million in 2025. Indians seem to be developing diabetes at a much younger age (at least 10 to 15 years earlier) than the western population.
Many sexual problems can occur as a result of diabetic complications. Men may have problems like erectile dysfunction, retrograded ejaculation (semen travels back into the bladder instead of coming out through the penis), dyspareunia (painful intercourse) and premature ejaculation. Women may experience problems like orgasmic dysfunction (inability to reach orgasm) and dyspareunia.
However, it must be noted that it is not diabetes but rather its complications that may cause sexual problems. The problems are caused due to damaged blood vessels and nerves that get damaged due to the abnormal accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs alter the structure and function of proteins in the walls of blood vessels and the thickening of blood vessels impedes blood flow to the penis and clitoris and the reduced blood flow to the penile tissues affects the erection.
However, one needn't panic as there are a few steps you can take to ward off the complications:
w Keep your diabetes under strict control.
w Discuss your problem freely and frankly with your doctor.
w An erect penis is not an absolute pre-requisite to sex.
w Non-genital interactions like cuddling, body rubs and intimacy can also be fulfilling.
The writer is a sexologist.
You can mail him at dr.narayana
@deccanmail.com.