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At first glance, it’s easy to presume that erectile dysfunction and diabetes are distant health conditions that don’t have anything to do with each other.
After all, how can sexual function and sugar levels possibly intersect?
However, don’t be misled: ED and diabetes are closely interlinked.
According to one study by Diabetic Medicine, about 52% of men with diabetes are afflicted by this debilitating sexual disorder.
The main reason for this is due to nerve damage, but weakened capillary walls are also to blame.
Fortunately, medical treatments exist to assist men with ED and diabetes.
One such treatment is shockwave therapy, which has been shown to improve the symptoms of ED in diabetics.
Let’s learn a bit more about this therapy and understand why it’s a viable option for treating ED and diabetes.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition in which men can’t get or maintain an erection.
It may cause difficulty with sexual intercourse, low libido, and other sexual symptoms.
The causes of ED are multifactorial. Psychological issues such as stress or depression, physical problems like heart disease or diabetes, or medications can give rise to this condition.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which the body doesn’t produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
People with diabetes are at risk for serious health problems, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart and kidney disease
- Vision loss
- Nerve damage
Diabetes can also lead to sexual dysfunction. If you have symptoms of diabetes, speak with a medical professional to get the right ED treatment plan.
The Harms of Diabetes to Erectile Function
Did you know that men with diabetes are three times more likely to develop erectile dysfunction compared to non-diabetic patients?
There are many reasons for this phenomenon. When your body is unable to control its blood sugar levels, it can damage the signaling nerves in various regions of your body over time.
This nerve damage, commonly referred to as diabetic neuropathy, can reduce sensation in various parts of the body, starting from your feet and toes, and then progressing to the upper parts of your body. The penis is one area that is especially susceptible to this nerve damage.
Furthermore, this damage may cause a shortage of nutrients available for circulation in your blood, leading to decreased efficiency in various organs.
When all these risk factors are present, they can all culminate in a persistent inability to keep or get an erection, or erectile dysfunction (ED). This is why it’s important to monitor diabetes and ensure that the condition doesn’t worsen over time.
Diagnosing Erectile Dysfunction
If you’re currently facing issues with your ability to sustain an erection, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from a medical professional.
A doctor may conduct tests such as an ultrasound to determine if there is any plaque buildup in the arteries of your penis.
If it’s determined that you have ED and other conditions, your doctors will recommend a course of treatment to help you manage the problem.
In some cases, topical gels, creams, and injections may be recommended, while in other more severe cases, surgeries may be necessary.
Shockwave therapy is also a possible form of treatment that can help to improve the symptoms. It’s been proven to help eliminate plaque build-up and blood vessel damage in erectile tissues for people with ED symptoms.
But is it also effective in treating diabetes-induced ED? Let’s look a bit closer.
Is Shockwave Therapy Effective for Diabetes Patients?
Shockwave therapy, also known as acoustic wave therapy, is a non-invasive treatment option that uses sound waves to target areas of the body that are blocked by plaque or have poor blood flow.
This tool helps to break down the plaque, repair existing blood vessels, and stimulate the growth of new, healthier blood vessels.
For men with diabetes-induced ED, there is evidence that demonstrated this therapy’s success in improving erectile function.
The aforementioned study has shown that this treatment promoted the growth of nerves, endothelium, and smooth muscle in the penis.
If you or a loved one is dealing with diabetes-induced ED, shockwave therapy may be a viable option.
Talk to a local medical professional about shockwave therapy to find out more about how to manage your condition.
Alternative Treatment Plans for Diabetic Patients with ED
Living with diabetes is hard enough, but people with both diabetes and erectile dysfunction have an even tougher time.
Fortunately, there are various treatments available that can help relieve the symptoms of diabetes and improve sexual pleasure.
Here are some of the most popular alternative treatment plans for diabetes patients with ED:
- ED Treatments: Topical creams and gels may help improve circulation to the penis and thus enhance sexual pleasure.
- Vacuum Erection Devices: These devices are designed to draw blood into the penis and sustain an erection.
- Surgery: In some cases, a penile implant surgery may be necessary to restore erectile function.
Besides clinical treatment plans, undergoing lifestyle changes is also a sustainable way to help manage diabetes and its associated ED symptoms. These can include the following:
- Exercising regularly
- Managing your weight
- Quitting smoking
- Eating a healthy diet
- Limiting alcohol intake
By carefully following these lifestyle changes, you can reduce the severity of sexual and urologic problems as well as reduce the risks associated with diabetes-induced ED.
Regain Your Sexual Vitality with Medical Guidance from the Top ED Clinic in Orlando
Shockwave therapy is a potent treatment option for men suffering from erectile dysfunction induced by diabetes. It’s also an effective treatment for men suffering from ED induced by other health conditions.
If you’re dealing with diabetes and ED, contact the Orlando male clinic known as Premier Men’s Medical Center now to schedule an appointment to have a consultation with their experienced and specially trained medical staff. We are Central Florida’s leading men’s clinic providing ED therapy, PE therapy, Low Testosterone therapy, RestoreWave therapy, hormone therapy, and much more.
