There is an interesting saying that “procreation is a recreation for the creation of the life”. It is a rhyming humor with some sense and reason. If sex was not a pleasureful experience life would not have gone forward.In the lower forms of life, sex is an instinct. As the instinct has evolved into conscious actions sex has become a pleasureful experience. The primary feature of sex is procreation. In higher forms of mammals like Bonobos and (pigmy chimpanzee), ordinary chimpanzee and humans, sex has become a recreational activity which gave pleasure.Associated with this pleasure the queen of emotion love also emerged.
Diabetes mellitus a disturbing disease affects all walks of life including sex. If taken care of Diabetes mellitus can be tackled easily.
Diabetes mellitus is a disease; where blood glucose level is increased. It is seen as two types, Juvenile outset and maturity outset. This disease is seen when there is deficiency of insulin (an anabolic hormone). Insulin is synthesized by beta cells of pancreas. Insulin is essential for the body to use glucose, amino acids, glycogen in liver etc for nucleic acid and protein synthesis. If a person has a fasting, blood glucose level of 126 mg/dl he can be called diabetic (hyper glycemic).
Around 50% of men and 25% women having diabetic, suffer from some types sexual problems. Most important of them are problems of erection for men and dryness or lack of lubrication in the vagina for women. The sexual problems related to sex are more pronounced in men than in women. This could be to a great extend attributed to the attitudinal difference between men and women. Women as they grow older try to suppress their sexual desire. If the diabetes can be brought to control, related sex problems can also be brought to control.
The important function related to sex for men is the erection. Blood flow into the vessels of the penis is very important for erection. When there is sexual urge the vessels of the penis get engorged with blood and the penis enlarge and stiffen. Erection is the primary requisite for penetration and successful sexual act. Diabetes affects mainly the erection. Studies shows that about 30 to 35% men having diabetes have got problems with erection. Difficulty to maintain erection; problems with orgasm and erection. Lack of desire etc are certain other problems encounted by men.
Erection is a complex phenomenon having physical and mental factors. Medications taken by patients have an influence on erection. The initial problems may be physical but gets encompounded with psychological problems.
In diabetic patients the high level of glucose in the blood combines with the protein in the blood vessels and reduce the lumen size of the vessels. This reduces the elasticity of the vessels as well as the flow of blood. In turn it reduces the nutritional supply to the vessels and nerves. Affection of the nerves is called Diabetic neuropathy. This is a very serious problem. Since, even if one has got desire, the message from brain cannot reach the penis. Basically these are the problems resulting from prolonged and uncontrolled diabetes. Arteriosclerosis, a disease where the blood vessels constrict, is common in diabetics. Uncontrolled diabetes also reduces the production of nitric oxide which is essential for erection. The failure to get erection leads to psychological problems like anxiety and loss of confidence which makes the situation worse and contributes to a vicious cycle.
The problems that women suffer from diabetes are many. Psychological trauma is probably the most important. Dryness of vagina, pain during intercourse, lack of interest in sex, lack of orgasm, inflammation and infection of the vagina etc are some of the problems, women suffer. Impairment of the vaginal blood vessels cause decrease in the secretion, which lubricates the vagina during intercourse. This cause dryness and pain. Artificial lubrication like K.Y Jelly can be used to prevent this. Lack of desire for sex is mainly due to psychological reasons, depression, hormone imbalance, lack of proper sleep (insomnia), drugs to prevent conception, anti hypertensive drugs etc can also reduce the interest in sex.
The treatment has to be taken after understanding the exact problem. The patient should be willing to open up his mind and ailments to the doctor without reservation. More over discussing the problems with the partner is also important. Plenty of medicines are available in the market. However it is important that the patient takes the opinion of a doctor before medication. Counseling and exercises are also important in these types of problems.
There are many treatment modalities available. The commonly available medicines are Sildenafil (Viagra), Tildenafil, Vardenafil etc. Another mothod of getting erection is use of vacuum pumps. Giving injection to the penis for erection is also available. However it is important that the patients defer from self medication and self treatment. All the patients are strongly advised to consult a doctor before taking any treatment.
