Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction

Some men with diabetes have impotencethe inability to get or maintain an erection for sexual activity. Also called erectile (ee-REK-tile) dysfunction (dis-FUNK-shun).X, also called erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is when a man can no longer have or keep an erection. What Causes ED?

Over time, blood vesselstubes that carry blood to and from all parts of the body. The three main types of blood vessels are arteries, veins and capillaries.X and nerves in the penis can become damaged. ED can also be caused by other conditions, such as prostate or bladder surgery.

Certain medicines, such as some pills for high blood pressurethe force of blood exerted on the inside walls of blood vessels. Blood pressure is expressed as a ratio (example: 120/80, read as "120 over 80"). The first number is the systolic (sis-TAH-lik) pressure, or the pressure when the heart pushes blood out into the arteries. The second number is the diastolic (DY-uh-STAH-lik) pressure, or the pressure when the heart rests.X or depression, may cause ED. Pills for stomach ulcers or heartburn may also cause it. Ask your health care provider if ED is a side effect of any of your medicines. There may be other pills you can take.

Remember, talk with your health care provider or diabetes educatora health care professional who teaches people who have diabetes how to manage their diabetes. Some diabetes educators are certified diabetes educators (CDEs). Diabetes educators are found in hospitals, physician offices, managed care organizations, home health care and other settings.X before trying any treatment for ED or before stopping any of your medicines.

Lifestyle choices that contribute to heart disease and vascularrelating to the body's blood vessels.X problems also increase the chances of ED. Smoking, being overweightan above-normal body weight; having a body mass index of 25 to 29.9.X, and being inactive can contribute to ED. Experts believe that psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, guilt, depression, low self-esteem, and fear of sexual failure cause 10 to 20 percent of ED cases.
Talk About It!

It's not easy to accept that you have ED. And it can be even harder to talk about it.

Talking about ED is the only way to learn about treatments and get the help you need. It's normal to feel embarrassed discussing such an intimate and personal issue, but your health care provider is a professional who is there to help you, not judge you.

Explain to your health care provider the symptoms you have been experiencing
Tell your health care provider your concerns and ask him if it could be ED or another sexual disorder
Inform your health care provider of any other emotional or physical changes you have experienced
Review with your health care provider any medications you may be taking which may be causing these symptoms
Ask your health care provider about treatment options and which he recommends to fit your needs

ED Treatment Options
Taking prescription pills
Putting medicine called prostaglandins into your penis
Using a vacuum tube and pump to draw blood into the penis
Surgery to put a device in the penis or to fix blood vessels so more blood will flow to the penis