2017-07-31 17:30:00
Sexual disorders and type 1 and 2 diabetes: a reciprocal relationship?
In case of diabetes, a long-term imbalance in blood sugar can have a impact on sex life. “However, it is not so much diabetes itself which causes sexual disorders but its complications linked to it (arterial, neurological or infectious), but also the pathologies which may be associated with it and their treatments (hypertension, cholesterol …),” explains Virginie Gasc, sexologist.
Can sexual problems hide diabetes?
” Of course, sexual problems can hide diabetes still undiagnosed. It will therefore be important to seek medical advice (general practitioner) to carry out the necessary examinations and rule out possible diabetes in the event of suggestive symptoms,” indicates the sexologist, Virginie Gasc.
What are the complications of diabetes that can affect male sexuality and what are their treatments?
Erectile and libido disorders affect a majority of diabetic men
“Hyperglycemia weakens the arteries and nerves which control certain functions linked to sexuality. In the event of arterial damage, this can block the flow of blood to the penis and this results in erectile problems,” indicates Health Insurance (source 1).
Sexual problems range from erectile dysfunction – especially in men over 50 – to retrograde ejaculation (instead of being expelled outwards through the urinary meatus, the sperm is propelled towards the bladder). continues Virginie Gasc, sexologist. But some can go so far as to feel a drop in self-esteem which can lead to a reduction in libido and sexual pleasure in the case of diabetes. This prevalence, however, remains variable depending on the individual.
Drugs such as Viagra®, intracavernous injections, vacuum (vacuum) or erection pump, sex therapy, etc. There are many solutions to overcome erection problems and improve quality of life. To do this, it is very important to talk to your doctor or diabetologist who can help you in this regard, or even refer you to a specialist (urologist, sexologist).
Is Viagra® (sildenafil) compatible with diabetes treatments?
“Unless there are medical contraindications, it is entirely possible to use Viagra® to combat erectile dysfunction in cases of diabetes,” reassures Virginie Gasc, sexologist.
What are the complications of diabetes that can affect sexuality in women and what are their treatments?
In diabetic women, we most often find problems with vaginal dryness, or infections (fungus or urinary infections) making intercourse uncomfortable or even painful. Some birth control pills may also keep blood sugar levels more stable than others and therefore may affect sexuality. It is therefore important to be able to talk about it with your gynecologist or midwife.
Genital mycoses are often linked to excess sugar in the urine, encouraging the development of fungi. Virginie Gasc, sexologist.
“The taking ofantibiotics may also be to blame,” specifies sexologist Virginie Gasc. But it is above all microvascular disorders linked to diabetes (damage to small vessels) which can block the flow of blood to the vagina and cause pain during penetrative sexual intercourse.
If these disorders are present, it is therefore important to talk to your doctor or diabetologist who can play an important role in improving the patient’s daily life and their sexual relations. “An opinion from a specialist gynecologist or sexologist can also help,” adds sexologist Virginie Gasc.
The importance of the psycho-sexological approach in both sexes
This approach should not be neglected. ” Power talk freely about your sexuality to a health professional, but also to his or her partner, so that trust and complicity replace guilt and frustration will be important,” insists the sexologist.
Prevention methods to limit the complications of diabetes
The best prevention is to have a regular physical activitya balanced diet and varied and limit risk factors (overweight, tobacco and alcohol consumption, prevention of genital infections, etc.) without forgetting a good glycemic balance – sometimes the only return to an Hb1Ac
How to properly control your diabetes?
Controlling your diabetes well means taking adequate treatment and taking insulin injections (if available) regularly in order to limit the risk of excessive variation and prevent the body from compensating and becoming tired. “Whatever the type (1 or 2), diabetes still remains very restrictive and perhaps even more so for type 1 which affects the youngest,” notes Virginie Gasc.
Your most frequently asked questions
Does making love increase blood sugar?
“Like physical activity, making love can affect blood sugar levels. We will therefore have to be careful in patients who must monitor themselves and who have a tendency to have hypoglycemia (in “severe” diabetics), warns the sexologist.
Why are you tired when you have diabetes?
The fatigue is often linked to poor diabetes balance in the blood. It will therefore be more generally associated with diabetes in the diagnosis phase but once the diabetes has been “stabilized”, there is no longer any reason to feel tired,” explains Virginie Gasc, sexologist.
Does gestational diabetes also have an impact on sexuality?
“If gestational diabetes does not have a direct impact on libido, it can nevertheless have significant psychological consequences on the mother-to-be who will have to control her diet (avoid all foods which can increase blood sugar levels: fried potatoes, white bread, white flour pasta, etc.),” illustrates the sexologist. This pressure of “having to be careful” can therefore taint her stress, her self-confidence and her sexual desire.
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