Can Erectile Dysfunction Caused by Diabetes be Reversed?

Can Erectile Dysfunction Caused by Diabetes be Reversed?
Alex Perry Published : Feb 04, 2024 Last Updated : Feb 07, 2024

Men facing Diabetes can have a higher risk of sexual issues like Erectile dysfunction. And the chances of having Ed is 3.5 times more likely in men facing Diabetes comparative men who do not have Diabetes.

Individuals with Diabetes have high blood sugar levels that damage blood vessels and arteries. Thus, the supply of blood to the organs and all over the body can be affected by Diabetes. As a result that diabetic patients are at higher risk of life-threatening problems like Cardiovascular diseases(heart and blood vessels problem). So, keeping your blood sugar levels at a safe, targeted range to prevent risk factors becomes essential.

When it comes to Erectile dysfunction, healthy nerves, and blood vessels places an essential role. An increased blood flow to the penis ensures a hard erection under sexual stimulation. But note that this ability can be easily affected by Diabetes. There are also some other reasons a diabetic person is more likely to face problems with erections. Reasons like Stress, depression, excess weight, high blood pressure, and use of certain medications can lead to Ed. So, let's see the impact of Diabetes on your sexual health and how serious it can turn. And, are there any chances or ways to get your impotence reversed caused due to Diabetes? 

 Can Diabetes cause erectile dysfunction?

Yes, Diabetes may cause damage in your body that can make it more likely to have Erectile dysfunction. Here are some key reasons that can put a diabetic person at risk of Ed, especially a person who has:

  • Diabetes for a long time
  • Problems like peripheral neuropathy or diabetic retinopathy(diabetic eye changes) associated with Diabetes
  • Higher blood sugar levels or A1C than your target range

When a diabetic person has Ed, it's a sign that they might be dealing with long-term complications of Diabetes. And, by getting yourself checked, you can take care of your organs and track the impact of Diabetes on your sexual health too. 

Can a diabetic man get a hard-on?

A person having Diabetes is 3times more likely to face erectile dysfunction (a problem in getting erections). A man with type 2 diabetes is at higher risk, where high blood sugar over a long period may cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels. This damage may result in problems with erections and lead to erectile dysfunction.

Why do men with Diabetes have erectile dysfunction(Ed)?

By affecting the mechanism of erection, Diabetes may contribute to erectile dysfunction. It involves a complex process of mood, nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and many more factors that helps in erection. And the most important thing is to note that every part of this process(erection) can be affected by Diabetes. Here are some leading factors caused due to Diabetes that may contribute to Ed(Erectile dysfunction) are:

  • Diabetic neuropathy(Damage to nerves)
  • Heavier weight
  • Abnormal fat and harmful cholesterol levels
  • Low testosterone levels
  • Mood and mental health issues
  • Medication side effects

How can a diabetes patient overcome ED(erectile dysfunction)?

Ready to hear something that you wish to hear? The good news is that over 95% of men usually overcome Ed with the proper treatment.

Depending on the problems caused due to Diabetes, the treatment for preventing Ed can be suggested by a doctor. Some options that are available to overcome Erectile dysfunction caused due to Diabetes are:

  • Medications
  • Vacuum devices
  • Implants
  • Lifestyle changes

Medications

A doctor may prescribe one or more medications to help in a situation like Ed's due to Diabetes. Most of the time, there can be diabetic medicines prescribed to prevent the complications that lead to Ed(erectile dysfunction).

ED Treatment for Diabetic patient

 And, sometimes, Ed medications may help to treat the erectile response or a combination of both. The injections are also a second-choice treatment for people

 who do not get good results with the pills.  

 Impotence or ED drugs such as Viagra(Sildenafil), Cialis(Tadalafil), and Levitra(Vardenafil) are some drugs that may help. These oral medications increase blood flow to the  penis, leading to an erection. Each of these Ed drugs is highly effective in preventing the effects of Erectile dysfunction.

 What is the best Ed treatment for diabetics?

 Best overall: Viagra has the best outcomes for most of its consumers.

 Viagra containing Sildenafil as its active salt is a PDE5 inhibitor that helps treat Ed. It increases blood flow to the penis and causes an erection under sexual stimulation.

 Can Viagra affect blood sugar?

According to new research, Viagra(Generic Sildenafil) may increase insulin sensitivity in prediabetes patients. Also, it suggests that Ed drugs, or at least a component of it, may help to slow or even prevent the progression of Type-Diabetes.

Vacuum device

Vacuum devices are also known as vacuum erection devices(VEDs) or penis pumps used to treat Ed(erectile dysfunction). They are usually considered as an alternative to medications or invasive treatments. These devices are cylinder pumps placed over the penis, and the vacuum created inside them helps to cause blood flow in the penis. As a result, they help to get an erection.

Implants

Men facing severe Ed(erectile dysfunction) who have not succeeded with other treatment options can consider penile implants. It is a surgical method in which medical devices such as Penile implants, also known as penile prostheses, are implanted into the penis. These penile implants may help to enable an erection.

Lifestyle changes

People with Ed having Diabetes or without Diabetes can benefit themselves by making lifestyle changes. Also, making appropriate lifestyle changes can benefit your general health too. Here are some changes that one must involve to prevent the effects of ED(Erectile dysfunction).

  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Lower cholesterol
  • Increase physical activities like exercise, running, etc
  • Take steps to reduce excessive weight
  • Quit the habit of smoking
  • Learn to manage Stress 

There is good evidence that lifestyle changes may help to improve mild Ed. In contrast, severe Ed forms may require lifestyle changes and medications for the best results. 

Having your blood sugar in control and taking appropriate treatments for the factor contributing to Ed can be helpful. It may stop the progression of Ed(Erectile dysfunction) and prevent it from worsening. But, existing damage caused to the nerves and blood vessels due to Diabetes cannot be reversed.

Related Article - Does Metformin Cause Erectile Dysfunction

Before the condition turns serious, taking the appropriate step may help prevent the risk of ED even after having Diabetes. Adopting lifestyle changes, managing Diabetes, keeping good care of your mental health, and taking medicinal support can be helpful.