Anonymous on September 9, 2011

Is there a connection between diabetes and lower sex drive?


answered by David Sobel, MD, JD on September 9, 2011

Thank you for sharing your concern. I’ll do my best to offer you some helpful information.

Yes, diabetes may affect libido (sex drive)…and diabetes also commonly causes problems with erections (erectile dysfunction, or ED). Why? Because diabetes tends to affect the nerves all over your body…and when the nerves get damaged, there’s often a loss of feeling or sensation.

For example, diabetes can cause damage to the tiny blood vessels that carry blood to the nerves in your penis. And if those nerves don’t get enough blood, they can wither…which can lead to a loss of feeling, and trouble getting erections and keeping erections. In fact, men with diabetes are two to three times more likely to develop ED.

Of course, many other conditions can also affect libido. For example, some men have low testosterone levels. Additionally, stress or relationship issues – or other health conditions, like heart disease, high blood pressure or depression – can all play a role.

And sometimes a low sex drive is a side-effect of medications used to treat high blood pressure or depression. So I would encourage you to see your doctor to find out if there are any other physical or emotional factors that are contributing to your issue…and whether treatment makes sense for you.

With your doctor’s help, I hope that you’ll find a way to continue to keep your diabetes in check, while also giving your libido a boost.

Related info:

David Sobel, MD, JD


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