1. Talk to Your Doctor
Up to 75 percent of men with diabetes experience erectile dysfunction at one time or another, so know that you are in good company. Don’t be embarrassed to talk to your doctor about it. Physicians recognize that impotence is a common symptom of diabetes. There are a number of causes, and determining your most suitable treatment depends on several factors, including your health, the severity of your diabetes and your lifestyle preferences.
2. Consider a Prescription
Prescription drugs like sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil can work for people with diabetes, as long as patients do not also have heart or vision problems. Studies have reported up to an 88 percent success rate with diabetes impotence. Usually, the most effective treatment is one that combines lifestyle changes with your prescription.
3. Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco
If you have diabetes, chances are your doctor has already told you to steer clear of smoking. As bad as cigarettes are for your heart and lungs, they’re even worse for your sex life. If you’re still holding on to a nicotine habit, you’ve never had a better reason to quit. Tobacco constricts the blood vessels, making it harder to pump blood to the penis and achieve an erection. It’s so closely tied to erectile dysfunction that doctors want to add a warning label to packages of cigarettes.
Alcohol not only lowers your sex drive, it decreases your sensitivity by depressing the nervous system. A man with diabetes should limit his alcohol consumption to two drinks per day, as long as his blood-sugar levels are under control and his doctor sees no underlying health conditions that prohibit him from drinking. Some studies, however, do show that as few as two drinks per week can cause nerve damage — a major culprit of male impotence. If you’re concerned about your sexual performance and are a drinker, try cutting back to see if it helps alleviate erectile dysfunction.
4. Control Your Blood Sugar
One of the best things you can do for diabetic impotence is to manage your blood-sugar levels by eating the right foods. If you’re overweight, work with your physician to develop a healthy weight-loss program. Your diet should include plenty of fruits and non-starchy vegetables, like spinach, broccoli, tomatoes and peppers. Opt for lean cuts of meat and add fish to your diet a few times a week. Include heart-smart foods such as olive oil, flaxseed, avocados, and nuts. Limit your consumption of red meat to a few times a month. Choose whole grains over white processed carbohydrates. Try wheat pasta and brown rice. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, as well as saturated and trans fats.
5. Get Physically Active
Exercise is more important to your sexual performance that you probably realize. Cardiovascular health is key to your libido, because without proper blood flow and good circulation, your body won’t be able to pump blood to the penis. Not only that, but being physically fit can increase your sense of well-being and demolish stress. In studies, people have even reported feeling more sexually attractive when they work out. In other words, if you’re looking for an aphrodisiac, you need look only as far as a pair of walking shoes. A brisk two-mile walk a few times a week is enough to make a difference.
About this Author
Jill Provost is a freelance writer and editor in New York. A former senior health editor, she has written extensively on prevention and wellness. Her article_temps have appeared in several publications and web sites, including Good Housekeeping, iVillage, Tango, MSN and American Photo.
