Diabetes & Erectile Dysfunction
Learn About Diabetes, Sexual Health and Impotence
There are mainly three oral agents available for treatment of erectile dysfunction in diabetic patients. Viagra, has been joined by Cialis as well as Levitra. The results of Levitra have been exciting, with an increased number of diabetic males responding. In addition to oral agents, there are other treatments available for erectile dysfunction in diabetic males such as the penile implant.
The Situation
In the full male population about 50% of males between the ages of 40 and 70 have erectile dysfunction. This already large number increases in the diabetic population where up to 70% of males have been found to have sexual dysfunction and it appears to occur at a lower age in all categories in the diabetic population. There is a higher percentage of males with severe erectile dysfunction at a younger age in diabetics than there is in the general population of males.
There is an old saying that goes like this: "If you know what is going on, you will know what to do." Though there are various treatment options for male and female sexual dysfunction, it is very important that you understand the changes that have occurred in the body. When you understand these changes and the treatments available, you will very likely know what makes the most sense for you and know which options you would like to try.
The Good News
The good news is that being diabetic does not preclude you from any of the various treatment options. They all still apply, though it may be necessary to institute more advanced options at a younger age in the diabetic male. For instance, oral erectogenic agents have a lower percentage of efficiency in diabetic patients and therefore, we may need to try penile injection therapy, or the most effective therapy of them all, the penile implant. The penile implant is the gold standard of treatment for erectile dysfunction patients, especially for diabetic patients because it can really restore "normal" function and fix the problem.
However, newer medical breakthroughs have been showing increased efficiency in diabetic males, with Levitra leading the pack of oral erectogenic agents, with a higher percentage of diabetic male patients reporting normalized erections with use of this FDA-approved product. It is still wise, however, to try the other products available, such as Viagra and Cialis, as they may show efficacy in certain patients while another does not. I look at it as being similar to antihistamine-type agents. For me, Contact works best. For others, it might be Comtrex or one of the other products available. Therefore I suggest trying the various agents to see which works best for you and your partner. Also, if you don't succeed at first, try again. There is something for everyone and the oral agents don't work for everyone, but don't give up. Everyone can function with the various treatment options.
