Penis Malfunction â Why Managing Diabetes is Important
Written by John Dugan
- Sensation loss - One of the more devastating side effects to the penis is loss of sensitivity. A common issue in diabetic patients is diabetic neuropathy, a condition caused by high blood sugar and poor circulation, which ultimately damages the nerves in the body. Nerve damage in the penis reduces sensitivity, and unfortunately, pleasurable sensations associated with sex as well. Diabetic neuropathy often makes it more difficult for a man to reach orgasm, and - in cases of severe nerve damage - may make climax impossible. About half of all people with diabetes will develop nerve damage in their lifetime.
- Erectile functioning - The very same reduced blood flow that leads to nerve damage also damages the delicate blood vessels all around the body. Blood vessels in the penis are responsible for the increase in blood flow, which allows an erection to form --and be maintained—during extracurricular activities in the bedroom. Too much damage to the blood vessels and the penis will not receive sufficient blood flow to achieve the desired level of tumescence, thus leading to a less than adequate - and sometimes nonexistent - erection. Additionally, diabetic neuropathy can interrupt the signals from the brain to the penis (via the autonomic nervous system) that are responsible for erections; a break in communication can throw the whole system out of whack. Diabetic men are much more likely to struggle with erectile dysfunction, regardless of age.
- Retrograde ejaculation - A final sexual complication caused by diabetes is the occurrence of retrograde ejaculation, meaning the semen flows backward into the bladder, rather than being ejaculated from the penis. A long history of poorly controlled blood sugar can lead to diabetic neuropathy and cause damage to the bladder sphincter, which typically keeps semen out of the bladder and forces it outwards. Retrograde ejaculation is one cause of male infertility.
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