Type 2 Diabetes and Sexual Health: Low Libido And Solutions

Sex can be neglected when dealing with chronic illnesses. No matter what other issues a person may experience, keeping healthy sexuality and sexual expression is paramount to preserving quality of life.

Diabetes type 2  patients are not any different. It's critical to acknowledge and treat the sexual concerns that diabetes patients face. Both sexes may experience sexual problems as a result of type 2 diabetes.

Sexual issues associated with type 2 diabetes can be frustrating and stressful. You may believe that giving up sexual expression is simpler than coping or adjusting.

Despite having type 2 diabetes, you might strive to keep an active sexual life. Lifestyle modifications, drugs, and establishing lines of communication with your partner are just a few suggestions.

Impact on both sexes

Diabetics are frequently fatigued. They may spend a significant amount of time regulating their health and may suffer from a range of health problems as a result of challenges. These factors may reduce a person's overall sex drive.

A common sexual health issue in type 2 diabetes patients is having reduced libido, less sex desire, or both. This might be frustrating for someone who had a robust libido and a satisfying sexual life previous to being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

The following factors can contribute to type 2 diabetes-related reduced libido:

• Lack of energy adverse effects of prescription drugs for high blood pressure or depression
• Depression
• Hormone alterations
• Relationship problems, tension, and stress

Issues relative to men's sexual health:

ED is the most frequently mentioned sexual health problem affecting men with diabetes. Some incidences of diabetes are discovered for the first time when a guy gets help for ED.

Damage to the nerves, muscles, or vascular structures might make it difficult to get or keep an erection until ejaculation. A 2017 systematic review found that about half of males with diabetes will eventually have ED.

Certain drugs' side effects can change testosterone levels, which also contributes to ED. Diabetes-related complications such as ED may also be caused by other illnesses. They consist of:

• Obesity
• Blood pressure is high.
• Anxiety, despair, and poor self-esteem
• Not moving around or exercising enough

Male treatment alternatives

To boost blood flow and a man's ability to get an erection, a doctor may prescribe one of numerous drugs.

• Sildenafil (Viagra) (Viagra)
• Tadalafil (Cialis) (Cialis)
• Vardenafil (Levitra) (Levitra)
• Avanafil (Stendra) (Stendra)

These drugs might not be appropriate for all men, especially those who have heart problems or high blood pressure.

Issues relative to women's sexual health:

Vaginal dryness is the most common sexual health problem associated with type 2 diabetes in women. Reduced blood supply to the genitals or hormonal changes may be responsible for this.

Vaginal infections and inflammation are more common in diabetic women. These two things have the potential to make sexual activity unpleasant. Incontinence during intercourse can also result from bladder nerve injury.

Additionally, women with diabetes are more prone to get more urinary tract infections (UTIs). Because of this, having intercourse can be painful and unpleasant.

Treatment options for women

Women may wish to use a vaginal lubricant before engaging in sex to reduce pain during intercourse. The lubricant should be water-based.

Researchers hypothesized in 2017 that sex education and Kegel exercises, which work the pelvic floor muscles, might enhance a woman's sexual response after menopause.

Lowering of stress

Those who have diabetes could benefit from practicing stress-reduction techniques. These are some instances of these practices:

• Meditation
• Watching a movie
• Exercising
• Listening music

For persons with diabetes, making even a modest amount of time during the day to engage in fun activities can help lower stress.

What to do when using a pump for insulin

A person could feel strange wearing an insulin pump during intercourse or concerned that it might come undone.

One source claims that it is safe to unhook the pump during intimacy for up to an hour, and that doing so is not harmful.

However, the user must keep in mind to reattach it in 45 to 60 minutes.

Early on in the relationship, discussing diabetes with a new partner will improve understanding and communication and lessen both parties' embarrassment.

Make time for each other to be a partner who isn't just concerned with caregiving. Have a dating night where diabetes is not discussed. Communicate with your spouse about your feelings and any potential sexual troubles.