Type 2 Diabetes and Sexual Health
In This Article
Type 2 Diabetes and Sexual Health
Sreemoyee
Updated on October 31, 2023
Medically verified by Dr. Arya
Fact checked by Dr. Sharon
Wellness
6 min read
Diabetes is a condition that affects millions worldwide, and its impact extends beyond blood sugar levels—it can affect your sexual health too. Sounds surprising?
Are you diabetic and wondering how to decode the missing link between Type 2 Diabetes and sexual health? You’re in the right place.
Mykare Health will help you to delve into the relationship between Type 2 Diabetes and sexual health. We will also cover the risks, common signs, and ways to manage and improve your sex life.
What is Type 2 Diabetes and its Relationship to Sexual Health?
Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition characterised by elevated blood sugar levels. It can impact sexual health by causing nerve damage, reduced blood flow, and hormonal imbalances.
Risk Factors and Common Signs of Type 2 Diabetes
Risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes include genetics, lifestyle choices, and age.
Here's a table outlining common risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes.
| Risk Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Genetics | Family history of diabetes increases your risk. |
| Age | The risk increases with age, especially after 45. |
| Obesity | Excess body weight, especially around the abdomen, is a significant risk factor. |
| Inactivity | A sedentary lifestyle contributes to the development of Type 2 Diabetes. |
| Poor Diet | Diets high in sugars, fats, and low in fibre can raise your risk. |
| High Blood Pressure | Hypertension is a known risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes. |
| High Cholesterol | Elevated levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) can increase your risk. |
| Gestational Diabetes | If you had diabetes during pregnancy, your risk is higher. |
| Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. |
Common signs include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
| Sign or Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased Thirst | Feeling unusually thirsty and drinking more fluids than usual. |
| Frequent Urination | Needing to urinate frequently, especially during the night. |
| Fatigue | Experiencing constant tiredness and lack of energy. |
| Unexplained Weight Loss | Losing weight without trying or making changes in your diet. |
| Blurred Vision | Having blurry or distorted vision. |
| Slow Healing Wounds | Wounds, cuts, or sores taking longer to heal than usual. |
| Tingling or Numbness | Feeling tingling or numbness, especially in the hands and feet. |
| Increased Hunger | An unexplained increase in appetite and food intake. |
| Darkened Skin Patches | Developing patches of darkened skin, often around the neck or armpits. |
| Yeast Infections | More frequent yeast infections, particularly in women. |
How Type 2 Diabetes Affects Your Sexual Health
Impact of Type 2 Diabetes on Sexual Health At A Glance
| Impact on Sexual Health | Description |
|---|---|
| Nerve Damage (Neuropathy) | High blood sugar can damage nerves, leading to reduced sensation and difficulties with arousal or orgasm. |
| Reduced Blood Flow | Diabetes can cause vascular issues, limiting blood flow to genital areas, potentially leading to erectile dysfunction (ED) in men and decreased arousal in women. |
| Hormonal Imbalances | Insulin resistance may lead to hormonal changes affecting sexual desire and function. |
| Heart Disease and Hypertension | Common comorbidities of Type 2 Diabetes can exacerbate sexual problems, such as ED. |
| Obesity | Excess weight can lead to self-esteem issues and physical difficulties that affect sexual performance. |
| Vaginal Dryness and Pain (Women) | Hormonal changes and reduced blood flow can result in vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse. |
| Erectile Dysfunction (Men) | Diabetes-related nerve and blood vessel damage can lead to difficulties achieving and maintaining an erection. |
Other Health Issues Related to Type 2 Diabetes and Sexual Health
Heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure, often associated with Type 2 Diabetes, can exacerbate sexual problems.
Issues Specific to Both Men and Women
| Issues Specific to Both Men and Women |
|---|
| Erectile dysfunction (ED) |
| Diabetes-related nerve and blood vessel damage |
| Difficulties achieving and maintaining an erection |
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Managing Type 2 Diabetes-Induced Sexual Problems
Effective management of Diabetes is the cornerstone. Additionally, you can also resort to these methods -
Medications: Consult a healthcare professional for medications to address ED or other sexual issues. Mykare Health can connect you to the leading experts.
Lifestyle Changes: Maintain a healthy diet, engage in regular exercise, and manage stress.
Blood Sugar Control: Monitoring and managing blood sugar levels can improve sexual health.
Preventing Diabetes
Maintain a healthy weight, engage in regular physical activity, and monitor your blood sugar levels if you have risk factors.
Eat balanced meals with lots of veggies, whole grains, lean proteins. Go for less sugar and unhealthy fats.
Get at least 150 minutes ( as recommended by doctors) of moderate exercise each week. This will help you to maintain a healthy weight and blood sugar levels.
Keep a healthy weight or shed extra pounds if needed to lower your risk.
Watch your portion sizes to avoid overeating.
Limit sugary drinks like sodas that can spike blood sugar.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Consider quitting smoking, as it increases diabetes risk.
Drink alcohol in moderation to reduce diabetes risk.
Manage stress through techniques like meditation or yoga.
Visit your doctor for regular check-ups and diabetes screenings, especially if you have risk factors. Mykare Health can help you book your consultations.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Be aware about diabetes and its risk factors to make informed choices.
Home Remedies to Manage Type 2 Diabetes-Induced Sexual Problems
Pelvic Floor Exercises: Kegel exercises can improve sexual function for both men and women.
Healthy Lifestyle: Weight management and quitting smoking can help alleviate sexual problems.
Tips on Improving Sex with Type 2 Diabetes
-
Prioritise communication with your partner about your condition and desires.
-
Experiment with different forms of sexual intimacy beyond intercourse.
-
Maintain an active and healthy lifestyle to improve overall sexual health.
-
Best Positions to Try for Maximum Pleasure
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Experiment with positions that minimise physical strain and discomfort.
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Explore positions that allow for deeper penetration and clitoral stimulation.
Does Regular Sex Help in Managing Type 2 Diabetes?
Regular sexual activity can have positive effects on mental and emotional well-being. Potentially aiding in stress management, which is beneficial for diabetes management.
Type 2 Diabetes can impact sexual health, but with proper management, communication, and lifestyle changes, you can overcome many of these challenges.
Consulting a healthcare professional at Mykare Health is key to addressing specific issues and tailoring a plan to improve your sexual health and overall well-being.
Type 2 Diabetes affects sexual health by causing nerve damage, reduced blood flow, and hormonal imbalances.
Risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes include genetics, age, obesity, inactivity, poor diet. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, gestational diabetes, and PCOS also contribute.
Common signs of Type 2 Diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, unexplained weight loss. Blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, tingling or numbness, increased hunger, darkened skin patches, and yeast infections, are among others.
Diabetes can lead to issues like reduced sexual desire, difficulties with arousal and orgasm. Vaginal dryness and pain in women, and erectile dysfunction in men are other common concerns.
Other health issues related to Type 2 Diabetes, such as heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure, can amp up sexual problems.
Managing Type 2 Diabetes-induced sexual problems involves medication, lifestyle changes, and blood sugar control.
Home remedies include pelvic floor exercises, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and preventing Diabetes through weight management. Healthy eating, exercise, stress management, regular check-ups, and staying informed.
Tips for improving sex with Type 2 Diabetes include communication, trying different forms of sexual intimacy. Also, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and exploring comfortable positions.
Regular sexual activity can positively impact mental and emotional well-being, aiding in stress management. This is beneficial for Diabetes management.
Consulting a healthcare professional at Mykare Health is essential for addressing specific issues and tailoring a plan to improve sexual health and overall well-being.
