India is the diabetes capital of the world and this is one distinction we could have done without. There are almost 51 million people living with diabetes in India, which is a staggering statistic. Most people who suffer from this disease don’t realize that diabetes can cause sexual dysfunction in both men and women. Diabetes can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves and this in turn leads to erectile dysfunction in men and loss of libido and vaginal lubrication in women.
Research has suggested that erectile dysfunction maybe a precursor to diabetes, especially in men in the age group of 45 years or younger. So men who suffer from diabetes need to understand that among other things it can also affect different aspects of your sexuality and sexual function. Neuropathy or damage to nerves, including that to the penis means that the signal from your brain when you are sexually aroused does not reach the penis and can cause erectile dysfunction (ED).
In women diabetes can cause vaginal dryness due to decreased vaginal lubrication, uncomfortable sexual intercourse and lack of desire for performing sexual activities. The cause of this can be the reduction of blood flow to the genital area (tissues), nerve damage and hormonal changes.
The important thing for people who suffer from diabetes is to realize that their condition can cause sexual dysfunction and they need to monitor and control their blood sugar to be able to continue enjoying sex. If in spite of having the blood sugar level under control, they still experience erectile dysfunction or loss of libido, they need to get in touch with a qualified sexologist and not be shy to discuss their sexual problems as he can get them to enjoy their sex life once again through proper counseling and medication.
