Erectile dysfunction is a common problem for men who have diabetes — but it’s not inevitable. Consider prevention strategies, treatment options and more.

Erectile dysfunction — the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex — is common in men who have diabetes. It can stem from problems caused by poor long-term blood sugar control, which damages nerves and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can also be linked to other conditions common in men with diabetes, such as high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.

Having erectile dysfunction can be a real challenge and can leave you and your partner feeling frustrated and discouraged. Take steps to cope with erectile dysfunction — and get your sex life back on track.

Talk to an expert

Many men are reluctant to bring up erectile dysfunction with their doctor. But don’t let embarrassment keep you from getting help. One small conversation can make a big difference. Here’s what to do:

• Tell your doctor what’s going on. Your doctor will consider underlying causes of your erectile dysfunction, and can give you information about medication and other erectile dysfunction treatments. Find out your options.
• Ask what you need to do to control diabetes. Careful blood sugar control can prevent nerve and blood vessel damage that can lead to erectile dysfunction. Ask your doctor if you’re taking the right steps to manage your diabetes.
• Ask about other health problems. It’s common for men with diabetes to have other chronic conditions that can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. Work with your doctor to make sure you’re addressing these other health problems.
• Check your medications. Ask your doctor if you’re taking any medications that may be worsening your erectile problems, such as drugs used to treat depression or high blood pressure. Making a change to your medications may help.
• Seek counseling. Anxiety and stress can worsen erectile dysfunction. A psychologist or other mental health provider can help you find ways to ease your stress level.

Consider your treatment options

A number of erectile dysfunction treatments are available. Ask your doctor if one of these may be a good choice for you:

• Oral medications. Erectile dysfunction medications include sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio), tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca) or vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn). These pills can help ease blood flow to your penis, making it easier to get and keep an erection. Check with your doctor to see whether one of these medications is a safe choice for you.
• Other medications. If pills aren’t a good option for you, your doctor may recommend a tiny suppository you insert into the tip of your penis before sex. Another possibility is medication you inject into the base of your penis. Like oral medications, these drugs increase blood flow that helps you get and maintain an erection.
• Vacuum-constriction device. If medications aren’t effective, you may try a penis vacuum-constriction device. Also called a penis pump or a vacuum pump, this device is a hollow tube you put over your penis. It uses a pump to draw blood into your penis to create an erection. This hand- or battery-powered device is simple to operate and has a low risk of problems. If a vacuum-constriction device is a good treatment choice for you, your doctor may recommend or prescribe a specific model. That way you can be sure it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration, suits your needs and is made by a reputable manufacturer. Vacuum-constriction devices available in magazines and sex ads may not be safe or effective.
• Penile implants. In cases where medications or a penis pump won’t work, a surgical penis implant may be an option. Semirigid or inflatable penile implants are a safe and effective treatment for many men with erectile dysfunction.

Make good lifestyle choices

Don’t underestimate the difference a few changes can make. Try these approaches to improve erectile dysfunction and your overall health:

• Stop smoking. Tobacco use, including smoking, narrows your blood vessels, which can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction. Smoking can also decrease levels of the chemical nitric oxide, which signals your body to allow blood flow to your penis. If you’ve tried to quit on your own but couldn’t, don’t give up — ask for help. There are a number of strategies to help you quit, including medications.
• Limit how much alcohol you drink. Drinking too much alcohol — more than two drinks a day — can damage your blood vessels and worsen erectile dysfunction.
• Lower your stress level. Stress can reduce your erections. To keep stress under control, evaluate and prioritize your tasks. Set realistic expectations for yourself and ask for help when you need it. Try relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
• Get regular exercise. Regular exercise can increase blood flow, improve your mood and energy levels, and reduce stress. If you haven’t exercised for a while, start with something easy, such as a daily walk.
• Fight fatigue. If you’re well rested, you’re less likely to struggle with erectile dysfunction. Make sure you’re not overdoing it and that you’re getting plenty of sleep.

Source:Mayo Clinic.