Definition

Erectile dysfunction is a problem that is quite often experienced by men, especially those with a history of diabetes. Erectile dysfunction is a condition that occurs when a man cannot maintain an erection strong enough and long enough during sexual intercourse. This sexual disorder is closely related to type 2 diabetes.

Erection disorders can arise due to damage to blood vessels or nerves in people with diabetes due to poor blood sugar control in the long term. Difficulty maintaining an erection can also appear before a diagnosis of diabetes.

It is estimated that around 35-75% of men with diabetes will experience erectile dysfunction in their lifetime. As people get older, people with diabetes are more likely to experience erection problems compared to men who don't have diabetes. There is a 50-60% chance that men with diabetes will experience erection difficulties when they are over 50 years old, and this increases to around 95% when they are over 70 years old.

The presence of erectile dysfunction will affect a person and their partner, making the sufferer feel frustrated and discouraged. This condition makes sufferers require comprehensive treatment.

Causes

Diabetes occurs when the body experiences problems in controlling sugar levels in the body. In the long term, sugar levels circulating in the body will be high and cause various kinds of damage. The most common type of diabetes is type 2 diabetes. This disease can occur in people who are overweight or have sedentary lifestyle habits.

About 10% of male diabetes sufferers aged 40-70 years are estimated to have severe erectile dysfunction, and around 25% of sufferers have moderate erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction tends to be found as men age. If diabetics also have other medical conditions such as heart disease, the possibility of experiencing erectile dysfunction will also be higher.

The conditions of diabetes and erectile dysfunction are related to the circulatory system and nervous system. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels will cause damage to small blood vessels and nerves. This nerve damage will interfere with the control of sexual stimulation and provide a response that inhibits a man's ability to maintain an erection. Reduced blood flow due to damage to blood vessels can also cause erectile dysfunction.

Risk Factor

Risk factors for erectile dysfunction due to diabetes are closely related to lifestyle after graduating from college. Some risk factors for erectile dysfunction that occur in diabetes sufferers are:

• Blood sugar levels are not controlled.
• Stress, anxiety, or depression.
• Bad diet.
• Not doing routine physical activity.
• Obesity or excess body weight.
• Smoking habit.
• Consuming large amounts of alcohol.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) is not controlled.
• Abnormal fat levels in the blood.
• Use of drugs that have the side effect of erectile dysfunction.
• Use of medication for high blood pressure, pain, or depression.

Symptoms

The most common and definite symptoms of erectile dysfunction are:

• Inability to initiate an erection.
• Unable to maintain an erection during sexual intercourse.
• Decreased sexual desire.

Diabetics tend to experience erectile dysfunction 10-15 years earlier than men with diabetes.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your complaints. Apart from that, the doctor will try to dig up your medical history, if erectile dysfunction turns out to arise from another disease such as diabetes mellitus or heart disease. The doctor will perform a physical examination to determine whether or not there are nerve and blood vessel problems in the penis or testicles (testicles).

Several additional examinations can be carried out by the doctor who examines you, namely:

• Blood Test

This examination is mandatory, especially for diabetes sufferers. The patient's blood sugar and cholesterol levels, kidney and liver function, or hematology can be obtained from blood tests. In addition, testosterone levels and other components can be checked to find the cause of erectile dysfunction.

• Complete Urine Examination (Urinalysis)

This examination also functions to assess the condition of diabetes you are experiencing.

Management

The management and treatment of erectile dysfunction is quite varied and can be adjusted to your preferences. Diabetes sufferers generally need to control their blood sugar levels first until they are well controlled.

There are several erectile dysfunction treatments that can facilitate blood flow to the penis so that an erection can be achieved and maintained for a certain time. However, this needs to be consulted with a doctor first, because there are drugs that can cause side effects, and this needs to be considered in diabetics with heart disease. However, these drugs are generally well tolerated by most men.

There are several other treatment methods to treat erectile dysfunction. Consult a doctor beforehand so you can get the best medicine and treatment, namely:

• Vacuum Erectile Device

This device is used when medications have not shown good results. This vacuum erectile device uses a tube-shaped device and the penis is inserted into it. Then, a pump is used to draw blood into the penis to enable an erection.

• Penile Implants

The use of penile implants requires surgery. Implants that can be used can be easily developed.

• Doctor Consultation

This consultation session is not something to be ashamed of because the risks will increase with age. This consultation can also be done with your partner so that conditions remain under control and stress is paid more attention. You and your partner can also plan future therapy.

The above therapies and treatments depend on the men's overall health and ability to tolerate the treatment.

Complications

Complications of erectile dysfunction that occur in diabetes are more related to psychological aspects. Erectile dysfunction can interfere with a person's performance in sexual activity and can cause prolonged stress. The following are some complications that can occur, namely:

• Decreased self-confidence.
• Problems arise with your partner.
• Causes mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, or depression.

Prevention

Regulating blood sugar levels and having a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. Some other precautions include:

• Quit smoking. Apart from quitting, ask people and family around you not to smoke in front of you. The condition of active or passive smoking has the ability to trigger erectile dysfunction.
• Keep your weight within the ideal range.
• Do exercise regularly, at least three times a week.
• Reduce alcohol consumption.
• Take diabetes medication regularly.
• Consult a specialist in internal medicine to control your diabetes.

When to See a Doctor?

Consult your doctor about your condition, especially if you already have diabetes. Make sure you check regularly so that blood sugar levels remain controlled. Don't let embarrassment prevent you from seeing a doctor.

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