Sexual and Urological Problems Caused by Diabetes

Introduction:

People encounter numerous sexual and urologic or bladder problems as they become old. However, the ones diagnosed with diabetes tend to experience the worst of these symptoms. It might become difficult for diabetic couples to have a healthy sexual life, or they might suffer from urine leakage and difficulty in emptying the bladder. Sometimes, elevated blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves responsible for urologic functions. As a result, the patient tends to experience sexual and urologic problems. Hence, the patient must establish good control over their glucose levels to prevent damage to the nerves and blood vessels. The patient can consult the doctor to learn more about managing sexual and urologic problems.

How Can Diabetes Worsen Sexual and Urologic Problems?

Diabetes is a long-standing condition that occurs when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient amounts of insulin or the body cannot effectively metabolize the insulin hormone. As a result, the patient has excess glucose in the blood resulting in serious symptoms. Patients presenting with sexual or urologic problems can be suspected of diabetes. In addition, diabetes can damage the nerves present throughout the body resulting in a condition known as diabetic nephropathy. This condition has a severe impact on the genitals and urinary tract. It has been observed that males with diabetes tend to develop erectile dysfunction earlier than the ones who do not have diabetes.

What Factors Increase the Risk of Sexual and Urologic Problems in Diabetes?

Diabetes does not initiate sexual or urologic problems directly. However, it disturbs the body's mechanism and the nerves that control the body's important functions. For example, whenever a person engages in sexual activities or urinates, the brain sends signals through the nerves to the appropriate body muscles. As a result, the body responds to those signals, and a person can carry out the activities smoothly. However, in diabetics, this network of nerves gets damaged, resulting in the blockage of nerves and blood vessels. Hence, a patient is more likely to encounter sexual and urologic problems if they experience the following along with diabetes:

• Uncontrolled blood glucose levels.

• Nerve damage or neuropathy.

• Untreated high blood pressure.

• Elevated cholesterol levels.

• Obesity.

• Sedentary lifestyle.

• Limited physical activities.

• Consuming excess alcohol.

• Smoking.

What Sexual Problems Can Be Detected in Males With Diabetes?

Diabetes can induce changes in a person's nerves, blood vessels, and hormone levels. As a result, the patient might have deteriorating emotional and sexual health. The following sexual problems can occur in men:

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED) - As the name suggests, men with ED cannot maintain erections firm enough for sex. Diabetic males are three times more prone to develop ED than the ones without diabetes. Hence, diabetes management would help prevent nerve and blood vessel damage, enhancing sexual health.
• Ejaculation Problems - Retrograde ejaculation is one of the rarest complications of diabetes. It is a condition wherein the semen enters the urinary bladder instead of getting expelled from the body through the penis. Hence, the semen enters the bladder, gets mixed up with urine, and drains out of the body. As a result, males with retrograde ejaculation fail to ejaculate at all.
• Curvature of the Penis - Diabetic males tend to have a curved penis during an erection due to a condition known as Peyronie's disease. In addition, a curved penis makes sexual intercourse painful due to scar tissue formation.
• Low Testosterone Levels - Testosterone levels usually lower with aging. However, lower-than-normal levels can suggest erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, fatigue, or depression. Diabetic and obese males are more likely to have fluctuating testosterone levels. However, the condition can be reversed with adequate diabetes management and testosterone therapy.

What Sexual Problems Can Be Detected in Females With Diabetes?

Vaginal dryness, low sexual drive, and several other problems can be accompanied by diabetes. However, the following problems are usually noticed:

• Diminished Sexual Desire - Low sexual desire can cause the following:
  • Being unable to stay sexually stimulated for prolonged periods.
  • Unable to have sufficient vaginal lubrication.
  • Numbness of the genitals.
  • Unable to have an orgasm.
  • Elevated blood glucose levels can affect the sexual desires of a female. Some females might feel that they become tired, depressed, or anxious more than usual.
• Painful Intercourse - Females with diabetes tend to have painful intercourse. This is because nerves that stimulate vaginal lubrication tend to get damaged due to diabetes. Hence, vaginal lubricants can be used to overcome the symptoms of vaginal dryness.

• Bladder Infections - Diabetic females tend to have more yeast infections because the organisms can grow freely inside the bladder or vagina due to the compromised immune response. Such infections can induce pain and interrupt daily sexual activities.

• Problems in Pregnancy - If a diabetic female plans to conceive, they must consult the doctor to rule out the possible complications in the baby. In addition, it is important to check blood glucose levels, as elevated glucose levels can interfere with organogenesis (the process of organ formation) during pregnancy. Diabetes can often be accompanied by polycystic ovarian disease or obesity, making conception difficult.

What Urologic Problems Can Be Detected in Males and Females With Diabetes?

Diabetes can damage the nerves of the urinary tract resulting in bladder problems. In addition, the following urologic problems can occur in diabetics:

• Frequent Urination - Diabetics tend to urinate more often compared to non-diabetics. Sometimes, they feel a strong urge to urinate at night, resulting in urgent incontinence. Several medications are available that help ease the symptoms.

• Difficulty in Urinating - People with diabetes often complain that they do not feel anything when their bladder becomes full. This is because diabetes damages the bladder nerves and muscles. As a result, the urine remains retained in the bladder for prolonged periods resulting in urinary retention.

• Urinary Incontinence - Stress urinary incontinence is the most commonly associated problem with diabetes. This mainly occurs due to the loss of bladder control, nerve damage, and obesity. Hence, patients with diabetes must maintain a healthy body weight, have a healthy diet, and consult the doctor to know more about the treatment of bladder control problems.

• Bladder Infections - A diabetic patient is more vulnerable to bladder infections or cystitis due to urinary retention. If left untreated for prolonged periods, bladder infections can turn into kidney infections and sepsis (a life-threatening condition arising as a response to infections). Hence, consult the doctor on time to know more about the preventive measures.

How to Prevent Sexual and Urologic Problems Due to Diabetes?

It is essential to manage diabetes on time to prevent blood vessel or nerve damage and the associated symptoms. The problems can be kept under control by the following measures:

• Maintain blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure within normal limits.

• Stay physically active as much as possible.

• Maintain a healthy body weight.

• Stay away from substance abuse or smoking.

• Seek medical attention for medical and psychological problems.

• Blood glucose levels must be checked before and after sex to avoid problems.

Conclusion:

Diabetes is a common and chronic condition that impairs the body's insulin-secreting mechanism and produces several complications. Sexual and urologic problems typically arise due to damage to the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. Hence, the patient with diabetes must check his blood glucose levels regularly, keep his blood pressure under control, and exercise regularly. It is essential to consult a doctor to know more about the preventive measures for diabetes to avoid complications and improve living conditions.