Male Fertility and Diabetes: Understanding the Risks
Diabetes can significantly impact male fertility, leading to various problems, including erectile dysfunction (ED), ejaculation issues, and more. Understanding the relationship between male fertility and diabetes is essential, as effectively managing diabetes can improve fertility outcomes.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which men are consistently unable to get or maintain an erection. ED is common in diabetes, affecting more than half of men with the condition. Diabetes causes hyperglycemia, which can disrupt blood flow to the penis. Over time, this condition may reduce the production of nitric oxide (NO), a substance that helps relax the muscles in the penis and increases blood flow. Additionally, hyperglycemia can cause neuropathy, or nerve damage, which can further affect erectile function. These erection problems and nerve damage can decrease sexual desire in men, ultimately impacting fertility.
Ejaculation Issues
Diabetes can lead to retrograde ejaculation and delayed ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation occurs when some or all of the semen enters the bladder instead of being expelled through the penis during ejaculation. Individuals with delayed ejaculation may require extensive stimulation and time to reach sexual climax and ejaculate if they can do so at all. Men experiencing these conditions may face difficulties in conceiving without the help of assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Poor Sperm Quality
Type 1 and 2 diabetes can damage sperm quality, affecting fertilization. It can also impair the ability of sperm to move properly through the female reproductive tract to reach and fertilize the woman’s egg (motility). Related conditions such as obesity can further impact sperm quality.
Low Testosterone
Men with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to have low testosterone levels compared to those without the condition. Symptoms of low testosterone can include decreased sexual interest, erectile dysfunction, depressed mood, reduced lean body mass, and a lack of energy. Hormone levels may improve with medication, ART, and lifestyle changes.
Properly Managing Diabetes to Improve Fertility
Diabetes can negatively affect male fertility, but there are steps individuals can take to maintain their health and expand their families. If you have diabetes, it's essential to follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, consistently take insulin and other medications, and manage your cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Learn More About Male Fertility and Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to erectile dysfunction, ejaculation issues, poor sperm quality, and low testosterone, making it more challenging for men to conceive. If you have any questions about male fertility and diabetes, schedule an appointment with Male Fertility & Sexual Medicine Specialists today. Our team can effectively diagnose and treat various male fertility issues for patients in San Diego and La Jolla, California.
