Does diabetes cause difficulty in getting proper erections?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 43 years old. I am a known type 1 diabetic. I do masturbation regularly. In the last two years, I have observed that I do not get an erection at all. Even if I put in a lot of effort, I cannot engage in intercourse. What to do?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

There is some conflicting information, which I need to make it clear. You said you masturbate regularly and no erections for the last two years. Do you mean that you have an erection for masturbation, but not for intercourse?

Also, I like to know about early morning erections. Do you get them? If yes, then what is the frequency and intensity of them?

It is also important to furnish substance abuse information. Provide details of any substance use.

Please also provide more details about your diabetes, like duration, current HbA1c and blood glucose level, along with treatment.

Revert with more details to a sexologist online.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

In case the diabetes has been going on for decades, then the erectile dysfunction can be due to the effect of diabetes on the blood vessels and nerves supplying your penis.

If you have a short duration of diabetes, then we need to search for additional causes such as cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, stress and alcohol, among others.

I request you to undergo the following tests for further assessment. Complete blood count, blood sugar (fasting), renal profile, liver function tests, lipid profile, T3, T4 and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), serum testosterone, serum prolactin and penile doppler study.

Revert with the reports to a sexologist online.