Diabetes can have a huge impact on a man’s sex life. High blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels that are needed for good sexual function. It can also raise a man’s risk for other conditions that affect sexuality.

The following describes some of the more common issues for men with diabetes and offer some tips for coping.

(Note: For information on how diabetes can affect a woman’s sex life, please click here.)

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a frequent problem for men with diabetes. Their risk for ED is about three times higher than the risk for men without diabetes. They are also more likely to develop it 10 to 15 years earlier.

For many men, ED is a symptom that leads to a diabetes diagnosis. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels, and since blood vessels in the penis are so small, they may be among the first to be affected. High blood sugar can also cause long-term damage to nerves involved with erections.

Many men can improve their erections by managing their diabetes well. There are also several effective ED treatments.

Learn more:

• What is erectile dysfunction (ED)? What causes ED? How is ED treated?

Diabetes is also associated with higher risk for these sexual problems affecting men:

• Peyronie’s disease. Plaques on the penis can cause it to curve significantly. Some men with Peyronie’s disease also develop erectile dysfunction.
• Low testosterone. Also called testosterone deficiency, “Low T” is linked to low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, moodiness, and other symptoms.
• Retrograde ejaculation. With retrograde ejaculation, semen travels backward into the bladder instead of forward out of the penis.
• Premature ejaculation. Men with premature ejaculation reach orgasm before they wish to.
• Delayed ejaculation. Men with delayed ejaculation have trouble ejaculating or it takes longer to reach orgasm. 
• Anorgasmia or weak orgasmic sensations. Men may not reach orgasm at all or, if they do, the sensations are not as intense.

In addition, diabetes can affect a man’s psychological and emotional health. Managing diabetes can be a challenge. It’s essential to test blood sugar regularly, follow dietary guidelines, and take medications and insulin at the appropriate time. Some people with diabetes feel stressed, depressed, and anxious, and these feelings can interfere with sex drive and sexual enjoyment.

Fortunately, sexual issues associated with diabetes can be treated. Your doctor can help you decide which treatments are best for you. If you and your partner are struggling with your relationship, seeing a counselor or sex therapist can be helpful.

You can also improve your sexual function by following healthy habits:

• Test your blood sugar routinely and take note of the measurements.
• Follow a diabetic diet. You might consider speaking to a nutritionist for more information.
• Take your medications and insulin as directed.
• Keep fit. Add more exercise to your day if necessary.
• If you’re overweight, try to lose extra pounds.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
• If you smoke, quit. Your doctor can help you work out a plan to stop smoking.

Resources

• International Society for Sexual Medicine  - “How common is erectile dysfunction among men with diabetes?”
  https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/how-common-is-erectile-dysfunction-among-men-with-diabetes

• “How common is sexual dysfunction among adults with type 1 diabetes?”
  https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/how-common-is-sexual-dysfunction-among-adults-with-type-1-diabetes

• “How does diabetes lead to erectile dysfunction (ED)?”
  https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/how-does-diabetes-lead-to-erectile-dysfunction-ed

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - “Diabetes, Sexual, & Bladder Problems”
  (June 2018)
  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/sexual-bladder-problems#men

• Urology Annals via U.S. National Library of Medicine - “Peyronie’s Disease is common in poorly controlled diabetics but is not associated with the Metabolic Syndrome”
  Habous, Mohamad, et al.
  (Abstract. July-September 2019)
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6676820/