Guest guest Posted January 9, 2009 Report Share Posted January 9, 2009 dLife membership gives you exclusive access! Get free recipes, newsletters, savings, and so much more! Membership is FREE! Enter your Email Address Sign Up for Email Newsletter Type 1 Diabetes: Sexual Dysfunction Diabetes can affect the sex drive and performance of both men and women. Impotence, or erectile dysfunction (ED), may occur as a result of nerve or vascular damage associated with diabetes. The anxiety, stress, and depression that often accompany diabetes can also have an impact on libido and performance. Over half of all men with diabetes over age 50 report problems with impotence, and men with diabetes develop impotence 10 to 15 years earlier than men without it. A variety of treatment options, including medication, medical devices, surgical implants, and therapy, are available and effective. Infection or chronic vaginitis leads to sexual dysfunction in part due to discomfort or even embarrassment, and even though 43% of women report problems with sexual dysfunction , the problem is low profile and infrequently discussed. Women are often reluctant to bring up the topic with their healthcare provider, therefore sexual dysfunction may remain untreated for months or even years. It's important for women to realize there are steps they can take to improve their love life and their sexual health. Sexual dysfunction is a life-altering problem that many people are embarrassed or ashamed to discuss with their doctor, but it's also highly treatable, so talk to your diabetes healthcare team about the problem-they are there to help. If it is a physical problem caused by your diabetes, it needs to be addressed. Your physician may refer you to a gynecologist or urologist for further evaluation. Reviewed by Francine Kaufman, MD. 4/08 Last Modified Date: May 13, 2008 All content on dLife.com is created and reviewed in compliance with our editorial policy. Friends are Angels who lift us to our feet, when our wings can't remember how to fly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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