The symptoms of diabetes in men and women are generally similar. However, there are also exceptions. One of the most common but least talked about is male impotence and how it influences both the male physique and psyche.
Diabetes damages nerves! Nerve damage may in turn trigger and cause sexual and urologic problems in men. Diabetes also increases a man’s risk for heart disease at least two- to threefold. Fortunately, diabetes can, to a certain extent, be controlled through diet, physical activity and medication. These measures may help prevent and manage further damage to the male physique. They may also help minimise some of the more uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms associated with diabetes.
Face the male-specific facts
Facing the facts and finding out what treatment options are available is the only way in which to successfully manage the following male-specific symptoms of diabetes.
Impotence
Impotence (erectile dysfunction) is described as the inability to have an erection firm enough and sustained long enough to have sex. This occurs as a result of damage to the nerves or blood vessels that control blood flow to the penis. It is a common complication in men who have diabetes. Those with Type 1 diabetes will most likely experience impotence at an earlier stage than those with Type 2, which takes longer to develop.
Treatment for erectile dysfunction caused by nerve damage (neuropathy) may vary from taking pills, using a vacuum pump attached to the penis, placing pellets in the urethra or giving shots directly into the penis to surgery. All these methods have both advantages and disadvantages. A frank discussion with your doctor or specialist and also a counsellor or psychiatrist is highly recommended.
Retrograde ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculation occurs when part or all of a man’s semen goes into the bladder instead of out of the tip of the penis during ejaculation. This happens because the internal (sphincter) muscles that automatically open or close passages in the body, become too weak to do the job properly. Poor blood glucose control and the resulting nerve damage can cause retrograde ejaculation.
Retrograde ejaculation caused by diabetes may be treated by strengthening the muscle tone of the sphincter or internal muscles in the bladder with the help of special medicines.
Bladder problems
Chronic bladder problems due to nerve damage may include having to urinate eight or more times a day or two or more times a night, experiencing a sudden and unexpected urgency to urinate immediately, followed by a leakage of urine right after, as well as an inability to urinate even if the urge to do so is present. Frequent bladder infections are also common and should be treated immediately to prevent the infection spreading to the kidneys.
Treatment options depend on the specific problem. Urine retention treatment for example may involve medication as well as a practice called timed voiding (urinating on a schedule), draining the bladder with the help of a catheter, learning how to tell when the bladder is full and massaging the lower abdomen to fully empty the bladder. Medication, muscle strengthening exercises or surgery are on offer to help with urine leakage. Urinary urgency and frequency may be treated with medication, timed voiding, Kegel exercises and even surgery in some cases.
Recurrent genital thrush
Genital thrush, a white curd-like yeast infection occurs when blood sugar levels are high. It may cause redness, swelling and itching on or around the head of the penis. It often has a foul odour and causes soreness during sex.
Genital thrush can be treated with medicines prescribed by a doctor. However, keeping blood sugar levels normal is absolutely essential for treatment to be successful. Starting the day with a good breakfast and generally following a healthy balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables but low in sugar, are standard recommendations. Maintaining a healthy body weight can also help prevent long-term complications.
Reduced strength and loss of muscle mass
Apart from nerve damage, high blood sugar levels may also cause the body to start breaking down fat and muscle for energy. The resultant weight loss and reduced muscle strength is usually most noticeable in men with type 1 diabetes but can also affect those with type 2.
Blood sugar levels can be controlled through medication, diet and exercise.
Sources
Gebel, E. How Diabetes differs for men and women. Retrieved from: http://www.diabetesforecast.org/2011/oct/how-diabetes-differs-for-men-and-women.html?referrer=https://www.google.co.za/
Men’s sexual health and Type 2 Diabetes. Retrieved from: http://www.diabetes.org.nz/living_well_with_diabetes/living_with_type_2_diabetes/mens_sexual_health
Sexual and urologic problems of Diabetes. Retrieved from: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/Diabetes/sexual-urologic-problems-diabetes/Pages/index.aspx