Preventing Complications > Sexual Health - Diabetes and Sexual Problem Prevention

Preventing Complications > Sexual Health
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Good long-term control of blood glucose can help prevent or reduce diabetes-related sexual problems

Diabetes may damage the blood vessels and nerves that supply the sex organs and cause problems with sexual function. Men may experience problems getting and maintaining an erection, and women may experience vaginal dryness and increased incidences of vaginal yeast infections.

Good long-term control of blood glucose can help prevent or reduce diabetes-related sexual problems.

Sexual Function
In men and women with diabetes there are three bodily systems that can affect sexual function. These systems can also be affected by other diabetes complications. The systems are:

* The vascular system which carries blood through our veins and arteries
* The nervous system, responsible for the sense of touch
* The endocrine system which produces hormones, from insulin to testosterone and estrogen

Poor blood glucose control increases the risk of developing complications such as high blood pressure, nerve damage, and cardiovascular disease, which affect your sexual health. Keeping glucose levels as near to your target range as possible helps maintain sexual health.

Staying Sexually Healthy

Learn about it
The more you know, the better you'll take care of your diabetes and your health. There are many ways to treat problems with erections; your physician or diabetes educator can provide information for you to review. Lubricating creams such as K-Y® Brand Products can be helpful in treating vaginal dryness, and medications are also available to treat vaginal yeast infections.

Talk about it
Open communication within a trusting relationship is crucial. This applies to your partner and your health care providers. A urologist specializing in diabetes or a sexual medicine physician can provide treatment for men and women.

Care about it
Practise good self-management to keep your diabetes in as good control as possible. That means eating right, exercising*, taking medication as prescribed, and testing your blood glucose frequently. Glucose testing is the only way to be certain that your glucose levels are where they should be, or to make necessary adjustments with your health care professional.

* Be sure to talk to your health care professional before beginning or changing an exercise program.