Intimacy with diabetes significantly affects our sexual health, with fluctuations in blood sugar levels often impacting our sexual appetite. For men with diabetes, the likelihood of experiencing erectile dysfunction is 2-3 times higher. Similarly, women diagnosed with diabetes may encounter vaginal dryness due to hormonal changes and reduced genital blood flow. Additionally, vascular changes and nerve damage in diabetics can make achieving orgasm more challenging compared to others.
Navigating Intimacy with Diabetes
Some sufferers are not aware of the impact diabetes may have on their sexual lives. They can sometimes assume it’s because they’re getting older or because they’ve been with their partner for too long and they’re bored and so they just give up on the whole sex thing. Men have difficulty understanding that their diabetic woman is dry because of the disease and not because she’s not enjoying what he’s doing, and woman have difficulty understanding that their diabetic man is not getting hard, not because he’s not attracted to her, but because of the disease.
In today’s world whether you have diabetes or not, there are so many things that can be done to create magic in the bedroom. A great way to combat the lack of sexual desire is to bring sex toys into your lifestyle. Yes, you heard me correctly! Adding sex toys to your sexual lifestyle can be the answer of your dreams! They can create that bedroom spark that you and your partner may have lost. They can help your and your partner become sexually fulfilled especially if there is an overall lack of energy.
Can Adult Toys Help with Having Intimacy with Diabetes?
For women, the use of G-spot vibrators, rabbit vibrators and clitoral bullets will effortlessly help with clitoral stimulation, vaginal penetration and g-spot stimulation. Clitoral orgasms are often the easiest type of orgasm to achieve. So using something to make clitoral orgasms easier would greatly help and should be a very good first choice.
Clitoral pumps will also do the trick as they can help enlarge the clitoral area, this will help sex toys do some magic. For the males, electro stimulation can be a big help because it will help to increase erotic pleasure and can also be used to relax muscles and reduce stress. There are normal solid cock rings and there are cock rings with added bullet vibration. Hollow dildos are also a great alternative to lifelike dildos.
What type of Lubricants help with Intimacy with Diabetes?
Superslyde is a bestselling silicone lubricant and a wonderful way to make sex last longer, increase pleasure and make it all feel more comfortable. We have so many nice lubricants on the market today! Some lubricants even have a cooling and heating affect. There are many different types of lubricant that can all help to enhance the sexual experience. It is also important to note, if you are going through a dry spell, using more lubrication the better because if you use less, you are more likely to have a joyful experience.
Can Medication effect having Intimacy with Diabetes?
I am NOT a medical professional, so any concerns you have, you should always consult your doctor. Always do your research and carefully listen to what your body is telling you. You know yourself better than anyone else does. If your doctor prescribes medication, make sure you ask the right questions. Just like most people ask, “Will it affect my ability to drive??” Ask….”Will it affect my sexual drive?” “Will these tablets cause erectile dysfunction?” These are serious questions.
Lack of sex between a couple who don’t discuss their lack of sexual drive, often results in withdrawal and sometimes depression. It can affect your self confidence, having you question things like “I’m not desirable or loved anymore”. Then we go to our doctor and say that we are feeling depressed…he gives us anti-depressants which will affect our sexual drive even more than before! Be clear and open about what is really happening. If you’re down because you no longer have a sexual drive, then say that to your doctor!!! Doctors are not mind readers!!
Remember that there is always a solution…..you only need to look for it!! Have fun and enjoy your journey! The main thing is, to never give up hope and to never stop searching for ways to improve our sexual experiences.
The Interplay of Intimacy with Diabetes
Sexuality, an integral part of human life, can be notably affected by diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by the body’s inability to effectively utilize insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes are not immune to the desire and need for sexual intimacy. However, the disease can pose significant challenges to their sexual health, instigating a plethora of complications that can disrupt their sexual satisfaction and overall quality of life.
The Diabetes-Sexuality Conundrum: An Overview
Diabetes can profoundly influence an individual’s sexual health, leading to a myriad of complications. The condition’s impact on sexual health manifests differently in men and women, each presenting unique challenges and concerns.
Impact on Women
Having diabetes can significantly affect a woman’s sexual health. High blood sugar levels over prolonged periods can cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels supplying the sexual organs, impacting the ability to experience sexual stimulation and arousal. This can lead to difficulties in achieving orgasm and producing the lubrication necessary for comfortable sexual intercourse.
Moreover, hormonal changes induced by diabetes can result in low libido or sexual desire. It can often exacerbated by poor diabetes management, resulting in increased blood glucose levels, which may contribute to low sex drive. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, can further dampen sexual desire, making open communication with healthcare providers crucial for women with diabetes.
Impact on Men
Men with diabetes are not spared from the sexual complications of the disease. A prevalent issue is erectile dysfunction (ED), marked by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Diabetes can cause damage to the nerves, muscles, and vascular structures necessary for an erection, primarily due to high blood sugar levels. This can result in reduced blood flow to the penis, making it challenging to achieve and maintain an erection.
Additionally, diabetes can lead to low testosterone levels, affecting a man’s sexual drive. Being overweight or having cardiovascular conditions, which are common in individuals with diabetes, can further exacerbate the risk of ED.
Common Sexual Health Issues in Diabetic Individuals
Several sexual health issues are commonly associated with diabetes. These include a decrease in libido, diabetic neuropathy leading to sexual dysfunction, and relationship concerns stemming from the illness.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage associated with diabetes, can lead to sexual issues. This can result in numbness, pain, or lack of feeling in the genitals, leading to erectile dysfunction in men and difficulties in arousal in women.
Relationship Concerns
Unfortunately, diabetes can also impact a person’s relationship dynamics, potentially leading to sexual issues. Changes in roles within the relationship, such as one partner becoming the primary caregiver, can significantly impact the intimate side of the relationship. Open communication between partners about any sexual issues is crucial to maintain a healthy sexual relationship.
Treatment and Management of Sexual Health Issues in Diabetic Individuals
Fortunately, there are several ways to manage and treat sexual health issues linked to diabetes. These include lifestyle changes, medications, and maintaining an open dialogue with healthcare providers.
Lifestyle Changes
Living a healthy lifestyle plays a pivotal role in managing sexual health issues related to diabetes. This involves maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. Exercise can also improve energy levels, mood, and body image, which can positively impact sexual health.
Medication
Medical treatments for sexual health issues related to diabetes typically involve medications that enhance blood flow, improve hormonal balance, or address specific issues like erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness. For instance, men with erectile dysfunction may benefit from medications like Viagra or Cialis, which improve blood flow. Women experiencing vaginal dryness may find relief using water-based lubricants or hormonal replacement therapies.
Healthcare Consultation
Discussing sexual health concerns with healthcare providers is essential. Sexual dysfunction can be a sign of disease progression or ineffective treatment. It’s crucial to discuss any sexual side effects of medications and explore different treatment options that may not have the same side effects.
The Influence of Diabetes on Sexual Desire and Arousal
Sexual desire and arousal can be significantly influenced by diabetes. While diabetic individuals may feel desire, they may struggle with arousal problems. This is primarily due to the potential nerve damage and reduced blood flow caused by diabetes.
The Role of Insulin Pumps in Sexual Activity
For some individuals with diabetes, using an insulin pump can pose additional concerns during sexual activity. Questions about the pump getting in the way, detaching, or explaining its purpose to a partner may arise. However, the decision to disconnect the pump during sex or keep it on is highly individual and depends on what works best for the person.
The Psychological Impact of Intimacy with Diabetes
Psychological factors can have a significant impact on the sexual health of individuals with diabetes. Changes in self-image, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and isolation can all affect a person’s sexual function. The use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant, can help manage depression and anxiety but may also lead to reduced libido.
The Interplay of Diabetes and Contraception
Contraception is an important aspect to consider for sexually active individuals with diabetes. While hormonal contraceptives like the pill, injection, or implant can prevent pregnancy, they do not offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Barrier methods like condoms or dams are necessary to prevent STIs. It’s crucial to discuss contraceptive options with healthcare providers to weigh up the risks and benefits.
Pregnancy Considerations for Diabetic Women
Planning a pregnancy is a critical aspect for women with diabetes, as uncontrolled diabetes can pose risks to both the mother and the baby. It’s essential to discuss plans for pregnancy with a healthcare provider to ensure proper health checks and blood glucose control before conception.
Sexual Problems and Their Management in Diabetic Individuals
Sexual problems can occur in both men and women with diabetes. These include erectile dysfunction, low libido, retrograde ejaculation, and balanitis in men, and difficulties with lubrication and orgasm in women. These issues can be managed through medications, lifestyle changes, and open communication with healthcare providers.
In conclusion, diabetes can have a significant impact on an individual’s sexual health, but these issues can be managed and treated with the right approach. Maintaining an open dialogue with healthcare providers, making necessary lifestyle changes, and considering appropriate medications can help diabetic individuals maintain a satisfying sexual life.
Jennifer is a marketer at Adultsmart! Embracing a non-judgmental stance, she believes in pleasure without limits—if it feels good and right, why not?