Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem that affects almost all men occasionally, due to tiredness, stress, or one too many drinks. However, if the condition persists for three months or more, there may be an underlying health problem. For example, ED can be an early warning sign for undiagnosed diabetes.
The link between ED and diabetes
Diabetes, in particular type 2 diabetes, can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves that supply the penis, so this can make getting or sustaining an erection more difficult. Diabetes often coexists with other health conditions that also affect sexual function, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
ED can be effectively managed with medication such as Cialis, which is cheap to buy online as tadalafil. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking ED medication, because they are not suitable for everybody.
Who is at a higher risk of diabetes?
If you have persistent ED and are wondering if undiagnosed diabetes might be the reason, it’s always best to visit your doctor for a check up. Men who are at the most risk of diabetes fall into the following categories: overweight or obese; sedentary lifestyle; family history of diabetes; over the age of 40; high cholesterol levels; and/or high blood pressure.
How can diabetes be managed?
Diabetes is caused by elevated blood sugar levels, which can be managed with medication. Your doctor may also recommend some lifestyle changes such as taking more exercise, losing weight and eating a healthier diet.
Managing mental health
Managing diabetes can be stressful, and stress and anxiety can also cause or contribute to ED. Therefore it’s important to take care of your emotional wellbeing if you are managing both conditions. The diagnosis itself may come as a shock, or even cause feelings of guilt or shame.
Men are often conditioned not to express their feelings, and to ‘man up’ and assure those around them that they are well able to cope. However, this can ultimately make the problems worse, and may lead to negative coping mechanisms such as drinking too much, abusing recreational drugs, or outbursts of anger and violence.
Managing diabetes also requires a careful eating plan, which can be challenging for people who use eating as a way to blunt difficult emotions such as depression or anxiety. Some people with diabetes may struggle with body image, and the increased emphasis on diet can lead to disordered eating habits such as bulimia or anorexia.
Starting a new cooking and exercise regime as part of lifestyle adjustments can also be stressful and time consuming, and if you don’t always manage to stick to the new rules, it can induce a feeling of failure or despair.
Useful techniques to manage stress
There is no one size fits all solution to managing stress, so it might be a case of finding what works best for you by trying out a few techniques. Be patient and give yourself time to adjust to a new method, rather than expecting instant results.
Deep breathing exercises
If you are prone to anxiety and panic attacks, try deep breathing from the diaphragm, inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for six seconds.
Regular exercise
Exercise helps to combat stress hormones and releases mood-boosting chemicals that make us feel more positive. It also helps to manage weight and protect against other health problems such as heart disease.
Progressive muscle relaxation
If you have trouble falling asleep, try tensing and relaxing all the different muscle groups in your body in turn, starting from your toes and working up to your neck and head. This will release pent up tension and help you to feel more relaxed and sleepy.
Recent Comments