Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction
There is a direct link for many men between diabetes and erectile dysfunction. Dr. Larry Lipshultz in Houston, Texas, can determine whether diabetes is affecting your reproductive health, and provide treatments that will allow you to resume a satisfying and healthy sex life. Diabetes mellitus (or simply, diabetes), is a group of diseases that interferes with the way your body uses blood sugar, or glucose. Diabetes results in too much glucose in the blood stream, which can lead to a range of health problems, including erectile dysfunction. It is estimated that men with diabetes can experience erectile dysfunction 10 to 15 years earlier than men who are not diabetic. If you are a man aged 45 or younger, and you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, it may be an early indicator of diabetes. Using the very latest in techniques and technology, Dr. Lipshultz can diagnose any relationship you may be experiencing between diabetes and erectile dysfunction. His Houston practice is a world leader in treating a range of men's health issues, and can provide you with a solution that will help you to achieve confidence, health, and an enhanced quality of life. Contact us today to learn more.
Determining a Link between Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes
Erectile dysfunction can occur as a result of a number of physical and psychological factors, such as:
- Smoking cigarettes
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Low testosterone
- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship problems
If you are younger than 45 and experiencing erectile dysfunction, it is important to be cognizant of other symptoms that can indicate that diabetes is to blame. There are two types of diabetes:
- Type 1 occurs when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin.
- Type 2 occurs when the body develops a resistance to insulin, or fails to produce enough insulin to maintain a proper glucose level.
Type 1 diabetes symptoms include:
- Sudden weight loss
- Pronounced hunger
- Pronounced thirst
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Frequent urination
Type 2 diabetes symptoms include:
- All Type 1 symptoms
- Blurry vision
- Bruises and cuts heal slowly
- Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
- Recurring infections of the bladder, skin, and gums
On the other hand, you may have diabetes, yet experience none of the symptoms at all. Dr. Lipshultz and his team of experts can perform a battery of tests to determine what is causing you to experience erectile dysfunction. If blood tests indicate that you are diabetic, you may be referred to a specialist who can provide you with the treatment and education you need in order to live a normal, healthy life, while keeping your diabetes in check. Meanwhile, Dr. Lipshultz offers several treatments that can help you overcome erectile dysfunction, such as testosterone therapy and penile prostheses.
Learn More
Erectile dysfunction can occur for many reasons, but if you are 45 years of age or younger, it is important to consider that diabetes may be a factor. To learn more about the link between erectile dysfunction and diabetes, please contact our Houston practice today.