Sexual intimacy is an important topic for couples, but for those who have diabetes the trouble can be complicated by their disease.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can trouble men at almost any age. In bygone eras this was referred to as impotence, but in the 21st century it is often a problem that can be corrected.

Some might view ED as a psychological disorder, but when it comes to diabetes there are other issues to consider.

According to WebMD.com, “Men with diabetes tend to develop erectile dysfunction 10 to 15 years earlier than men without diabetes.” Further statistics indicate 35-75% of men with diabetes will experience Erectile Dysfunction and these problems seem to progress as men age.

The Cause For ED In Diabetic Men
WebMD.com provides an answer to the question many have about ED, “To get an erection, men need healthy blood vessels, nerves, male hormones, and a desire to be sexually stimulated. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control erection. Therefore, even if you have normal amounts of male hormones and you have the desire to have sex, you still may not be able to achieve a firm erection.”

Looking For A Solution
There are several pharmasuticals that have proven helpful in diabetic men with ED. These include products like Viagra and Levitra. There are some concerns however that as diabetes can potentially interfer with the heart the use of these drugs may not be advisable as a solution for all diabetics. You should consult your physician for recommendations.

The Mayo Clinic provides other self-improvement ideas that can help.

• Control your blood sugar level.
• Manage your medications.
• Stop smoking.
• Limit how much alcohol you drink.
• Reduce stress.
• Get physical (exercise).
• Deal with anxiety and depression.
• Ask about other treatment options.

While these may be viewed as common managed care options for diabetics it may also provide men with a separate motivation to manage their disease to the best of their ability.

Other ED Causes
It would be naïve to say that all ED in diabetic men is related to blood flow issues. A report in the American Journal of Physiology – Regulatory, Integrative and Comprehensive Physiology sheds some new light on the subject. This research indicated, “Erectile dysfunction in diabetes is due to a selective defect in the NO (Nitric Oxide) mechanisms. This defect is a loss in the synthetic enzyme for the production of NO. Restoring this synthetic enzyme may have a significant therapeutic value for diabetic patients with ED.”

There may indeed be medical causes for the presence of Ed in diabetic men. As more information is taken from new studies there may be more treatment options for men who are frustrated by this particular side effect from their disease.

Until more research is conducted and further treatment options offered the tips offered by the Mayo Clinic may provide the best source for disease management and improved libido.