troubles are not inevitable

Diabetes, like other chronic diseases, has repercussions on self-esteem: depression, psychological blockages (inhibition), reduced desire (libido)…

But too much sugar in the blood (hyperglycaemia) is also likely to have longer-term effects on sexuality. By weakening the arteries and nerves that control erection and ejaculation in men, it frequently leads to prostatitis, impotence and ejaculation disorders.

“One in two diabetics suffers from erectile dysfunction in the 50-65 age group, versus one in five in the general population. Evaluated at 34% in the population of men over 50, the frequency of erectile dysfunction increases to 51% in the event of arterial hypertension, 57% in the event of diabetes and 78% in the event of a combination of diabetes and hypertension. , recalls Professor Michel Pinget, diabetologist and founder of the European Center for the Study of Diabetes in Strasbourg.

In women – where the associated disorders are less known, because less studied -, diabetes might disrupt the good blood supply to the vagina and the ability to achieve pleasure, being associated with vaginal dryness, pain during sexual intercourse or still at a frigidity. Excess sugar in the urine is also a favorable factor in the development of fungal infections.

The solutions

However, these disorders are not inevitable: you must speak to your general practitioner and do not hesitate to go see a sexologist with your partner (the consultation is covered at 70% of the rate agreed by Social Security if it is a contracted doctor).

The quality of your relationship is obviously the first lever on which it is possible to act. The second lever is to find a glycemic balance, which is sometimes enough to solve an erectile disorder. Finally, there are effective drug treatments.