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What exactly is libido?
Sex drive is a synonym for libido, which is another name for sexual hunger. A variety of internal and external factors might have an impact on your libido. This includes everything from hormone levels to drugs to sleeping habits. Everyone’s libido is different, however most people experience a decrease in libido as they age.
Is Diabetes Affecting Libido?
Diabetes affects libido or lack of sexual drive. This is a prevalent sexual health issue in type 2 diabetics. The reasons for sexual dysfunction are unique to each individual. Your doctor’s job is to figure out what’s causing your troubles. Some people, on the other hand, go years without receiving competent medical advice.
People with diabetes have higher sexual dysfunction than the general population for a variety of reasons.
- Obesity
- Blood pressure that is too high
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Depression
All of the above are common diabetic complications. Obesity can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED) in the long run. Sleep apnea can cause ED in men and increase the likelihood of sexual issues in women. Depression and anxiety can reduce libido and lead to the usage of drugs that interfere with sexual interest or work.
Insulin pump users are concerned about their emotional wellbeing. Self-consciousness about one’s appearance can affect both men and women. Furthermore, the time and effort required to manage diabetes and associated illnesses can have a severe influence on mental health. This can lead to a loss of sexual interest or the use of a substance that inhibits sexual function.
Changes in hormones
Changes in testosterone or oestrogen levels (as a result of diabetes, menopause, or co-occurring illnesses) can have an impact on libido, lubrication, and sexual desire.
Reduced blood flow
Diabetes reduces blood flow, which can impair blood flow to the penis or vaginal area. In order for a guy to acquire and sustain an erection, blood must flow to the penis. Reduced blood flow can cause vaginal dryness in women.
Side effects of medication
Medications for high blood pressure may impair the ability to obtain or maintain an erection. Furthermore, several antidepressants and anxiety medications are known to stimulate sexual desire.
“Excess glucose in the bloodstream will damage nerves.” Nerves are densely packed in the clitoris and the tip of the penis. If those nerves are damaged, it can lead to decreased sexual feeling or even painful intercourse.
The following are some of the causes of reduced libido related with type 2 diabetes:
- Medication side effects for high blood pressure or depression
- Insufficient energy
- Depression
- Changes in hormones
- Problems with stress, anxiety, and relationships
Diabetes-related neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage caused by diabetes that can cause sexual issues. Numbness, pain, or loss of sensation in the genitals is also possible. As a result, erectile dysfunction (ED) may occur.
Neuropathy can also make it difficult to feel or inhibit orgasm. As a result of these adverse effects, sex may be awkward or unpleasant.
Relationship issues
It is critical for partners to discuss any sexual concerns. A lack of communication can harm the sexual and intimate parts of a relationship.
Couples might readily opt out of a sexual connection owing to a medical problem. At times, it may appear to be easier to avoid discussing the problem than to find a solution.
When one partner assumes the primary carer role for the other. It may have an impact on how people perceive each other. It’s easy to become engrossed in the roles of “patient” and “carer” and lose sight of the romance.
Both men and women are affected by sexual health issues.
A decrease in libido, or lack of sex drive, is a prevalent sexual health issue in type 2 diabetics. If you had a high libido and a full sex life before being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, this can aggravate the situation.
Issues concerning men’s sexual health
ED is the most commonly identified sexual health issue in diabetic men. When a man seeks ED treatment, he may be diagnosed with diabetes.
Damage to the nerves, muscles, or vascular structures may result in the inability to obtain or maintain an erection prior to ejaculation. According to the Cleveland Clinic, over half of all diabetic males will suffer ED at some point in their lives.
The negative effects of certain medications can reduce testosterone levels, resulting in ED. Other diabetes-related conditions may also result in ED. These are their names:
Obesity is associated with hypertension (high blood pressure).
Anxiety, despair, and low self-esteem can result from being inactive or not exercising enough.
Ejaculation backwards
Retrograde ejaculation is another sexual health issue that men with type 2 diabetes may experience. When sperm is discharged into the bladder rather than the penis, this occurs.
It is caused by an internal sphincter muscle dysfunction. These muscles control the opening and closing of bodily passageways. Acutely high glucose levels might injure the sphincter muscles, resulting in retrograde ejaculation.
Female-specific sexual health issues
The most frequent sexual health issue connected with type 2 diabetes in women is vaginal dryness. This could be caused by hormonal changes or a decrease in blood supply to the genitals.
In women, diabetes raises the risk of vaginal infections and inflammation. Any of these circumstances could make sex unpleasant. Incontinence during intercourse can also be caused by bladder nerve injury.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop urinary tract infections (UTIs) on a regular basis. As a result, sex may become unpleasant and uncomfortable.
Finding Solutions for Type 2 Diabetes and Sexuality
Sexual disorder patients should consult with their doctors regarding therapy alternatives. While discussing sexuality can be tough. However, it is an essential component of having a whole and healthy life. Diabetes-related sexual issues are frequently treatable.
If you have type 2 diabetes and are having sexual problems as a result of the disease. To relieve vaginal dryness, you can begin using over-the-counter lubricants. Choose a sexual lubricant that is water-based and will not degrade condoms or the diaphragm. Another sort of artificial lubricant that may be effective is vaginal suppositories.
If you have erectile dysfunction, you have several options for resuming an active sexual life, Ayurveda offers various herbal remedies and medications to treat the underlying issues.
Our Opinion
Diabetes ayurveda management is the best approach to completely treat diabetes. Good blood glucose control will assist you in avoiding or managing sexual difficulties, allowing you to enjoy your life. “In sex, do whatever you want. And, especially if you’re young, what better motivator for diabetes control is enjoying a good, safe sex life?”
Dr. Soumya Hullanavar, a leading expert at Elite Ayurveda, will assist you in controlling your blood sugar levels in the simplest method possible.
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