Sexual Health of People with Diabetes:
Diabetes affects the reproductive area of women and men, which is caused by neuropathy and microvasculitis that works on sexual arousal, both types of diabetes 1 and 2 can lead to complications, as up to 50% of men and 19% of women face some sexual problems or loss of desire as a result of diabetes, as researchers found that chronic Hyperglycemia is the reason behind many sexual problems that people face, and solving these problems is improving glucose control.
Hypoglycemia during Sexual Intercourse:
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may occur during sexual intercourse or when sleeping afterwards, due to increased physical exertion, and it is dealt with (such as: dealing with exercise while keep taking doses).
Impact of Diabetes on Men:
If the blood glucose level is not controlled, it may affect neurotransmitters in the long run, leading to damage to the tissues that help erections, causing the following:
- Erectile dysfunction: It is a condition in which the inability to reach an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse occurs, the condition includes the complete inability to have an erection as well as the inability to continue it.
- Retrograde ejaculation: It is the case of all or some of the semen returning to the bladder instead of being exited through the urethra during ejaculation, it occurs when the muscle of the bladder neck does not close during ejaculation, which leads to the leakage of semen to it.
Effects of Diabetes on Women:
- Vaginitis can recur in some women with diabetes, as well as cystitis.
- A woman can develop vaginitis through a natural imbalance between bacteria in the vagina (bacterial vaginosis), or due to chemical irritants (such as soaps or fabric and clothing softeners).
- Vaginal dryness is not a normal problem associated with aging.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Weak or no sexual desire.
- Weak or unresponsive sexuality
Itching of the reproductive organs:
It is an annoying irritation that can affect both sexes, either because of simple conditions (such as allergies or skin irritation), or because of more serious disorders and diseases such as diabetes. Itching and burning in the reproductive organs indicate that people are infected with fungi, and its recurrence is a sign of type 2 diabetes, as Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) leads to ideal conditions for the growth of fungi, in addition to weakening the body's ability to resist infection. It can also lead to increased glucose level in the urine, which provides a suitable environment for fungus growth. Itching in the reproductive organs in diabetic patients may indicate Hyperglycemia (blood glucose levels).
Risk Factors for Diabetes-Related Sexual Problems:
- Not-Controlling blood glucose levels.
- Hypercholesterolemia.
- Hypertension (High blood pressure).
- Being overweight.
- Age: Those who are over 40 years old.
- Inactivity and lack of physical activity.
- Smoking.