Diabetes, Sexual, and Bladder Problems - An Overview

Introduction

Most people face sexual or urological issues at some point in their lives. It can be common as they get older. However, diabetes can worsen the situation. Leaking urine, problems in sex life, etc., can be observed at some phases of life. However, some symptoms can indicate warning signs of diabetes. This article deals with the sexual and urological signs seen in diabetes.

How Are Sexual Problems and Diabetes Linked?

Men and women tend to develop sexual problems when they become diabetic. This is mainly due to the nerve damage and small blood vessels in diabetes. When someone wants to lift something, the brain sends appropriate signals to the hands. Nerve signals are sent in a similar way to the heart and bladder as well. However, humans do not have that kind of conscious control over the heart and bladder muscles as they have with the muscles in their hands. Autonomic nerves control the internal organs and signal to the various organs without a human being conscious.

In the same way, how the body responds to sexual stimuli is also governed by the autonomous nerves. The blood flow to the genitals increases, and the smooth muscles relax with a sexual stimulus. However, these nerves are damaged in a diabetic person. As a result, the blood flow to those organs also reduces, causing sexual dysfunction.

What Are the Sexual Issues Seen in Diabetic Men?

The reduced blood supply to the penis can reduce the sensation in men, causing a delay in arousal. The common problems related to sex seen in men can include:

1. Erectile Dysfunction: When a man is unable to maintain his erection consistently, it is called erectile dysfunction. It can be either a total inability to attain an erection or an inability to maintain an erection. Studies show that men with diabetes are twice as likely to develop erectile dysfunction than non-diabetic men. In addition, men with erectile dysfunction may see the symptoms earlier than their non-diabetic counterparts. Erectile dysfunction can be an early sign of diabetes, especially among men younger than 45 years. There can be other factors, like smoking, alcohol abuse, kidney problems, or a blood vessel disorder, that may contribute to the condition other than diabetes.

2. Retrograde Ejaculation: A condition where all or a part of the semen goes back to the bladder instead of the penis tip during ejaculation is called retrograde ejaculation. This is due to the improper functioning of muscles called sphincters. These muscles normally control the opening or closing of a passage. In retrograde ejaculation, the semen gets mixed up with urine after returning to the bladder. It is then excreted as urine without causing any harm to the bladder. It is usually diagnosed when a couple has fertility issues or a man notices very little semen. Examining the urine following an ejaculation can help confirm the situation.

3. Urinary Tract Infections: Women are more prone to UTIs than men. However, diabetic men have an increased risk of developing UTIs. This is due to the high levels of sugar in the urine. This can be a perfect place for bacteria to breed. Drinking plenty of fluids and keeping hydrated help prevent this condition.

4. Penile Curvature: Diabetic men are likelier to have a condition called Peyronie’s disease. They have a scar tissue in their penis, which makes it appear curved while erect. This can make sexual intercourse more painful.

5. Low Testosterone: The testosterone levels in men decrease naturally as they age. Diabetes increases the risk of low testosterone levels. This can cause men to be more tired, depressed, and have low sexual drive. Proper management of diabetes, along with testosterone therapy, can help manage this.

6. Infertility: Diabetes increases the risk of infertility in men. The sperm may not move well or be unable to fertilize the egg. Retrograde ejaculation could be another cause of infertility.

What Are the Sexual Issues Seen in Diabetic Women?

The sexual issues seen in women can include:

1. Vaginal Dryness: This is common among diabetic women. The blood vessels in the vaginal area can be damaged due to high blood sugar. This can result in a lack of lubrication. Sexual intercourse can be painful in these cases. Painful sex can also cause a woman to reduce her sexual drive. The nerve damage and reduced blood flow can cause a delay in arousal in diabetic women. Anti-depressant drugs and medication to lower the blood pressure can also cause vaginal dryness.

2. Thrush: This is a common condition among women. It is an infection that is commonly passed through sex (but not a sexually transmitted infection). The risk of getting thrush increases in diabetic women due to their high blood sugars. Itching and redness at the entrance of the vagina, thick white discharges, burning sensation while passing urine, etc. can be symptoms of thrush.

3. Urinary Tract Infection: Women are at increased risk of contracting a urinary tract infection, but diabetes doubles the risk. The increased blood sugar levels make it the best place for the bacteria to breed and rapidly worsen the condition.

What Are the Urological Issues Seen in Diabetics?

The nerve to the urinary bladder can be damaged in diabetes, causing bladder concerns. The common urologic problems encountered by diabetic people can include:

1. Frequent Urination: People with constantly elevated blood sugar levels are urged to pass urine frequently. At times, they may be unable to control their urge and leak. This is called urinary incontinence.

2. Urine Retention: Urinary retention is a condition where the bladder is not emptied. Diabetics may fail to realize that their bladder is full due to poor nerve signals. As a result, there are chances of leaking urine. Urine retention increases the chance of leakage, called overflow incontinence. Urine retention also increases the risk of getting urinary tract infections.

3. Bladder Infections: Nerve damage, urine retention, etc., increase the risk of bladder infections. Frequent and painful urination can be a sign of a bladder infection. This can worsen and cause kidney issues if not treated properly.

4. Weak Sphincter Muscles: The sphincter muscles become weak due to poor nerve signals. This increases the chances of leaking urine. In contrast, they can remain tight when a person tries to urinate.

5. Overactive Bladder: The damaged nervous system may send signals at the wrong time. This can cause the bladder muscles to squeeze without warning, leaking urine. Urinary incontinence is the common symptom of an overactive bladder.

Conclusion

Diabetic people can reduce the risk of developing sexual and bladder-related issues by keeping their values under control. Maintaining a physically active lifestyle and weight management can be additional precautions that help keep the diabetes complications at bay. Avoiding smoking and alcohol can prevent these complications, along with safeguarding heart and lung health. Getting proper help at the right time can be an additional aid in managing any problems in life.