Many people are worried that diabetes will affect their relationship with a partner negatively when they are first diagnosed. In particular, they have concerns about how diabetes will affect their sex life. The important thing to know is that sex is no different if you have diabetes. You will likely not have any problems with sex, and if you do, they won’t last forever. You should, however, keep in mind that sex can cause some complications when it comes to managing your condition. As long as you keep that in mind, you can recognize any issues and take steps to fix them.
Keep an eye on your blood sugar levels during sex
Doctors recommend exercise as part of any diabetes treatment plan, but there are some things to watch out for. Exercise encourages your muscles to take up the available sugar in your body, so excessive exercise can lead to low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).
Sex is an exercise, which means that you have to be as careful when having sex as you would when you work out. In order to prevent an episode of hypoglycemia, check your blood glucose levels using a glucose monitor and if your blood sugar levels are normal or low, have a sugary snack right before.
For people who use insulin pumps, it might help to tak the pump out right before sex as that can prevent a hypoglycemic episode. However, this does not work for everyone. Some people might get a condition known as hypo anxiety, which means that they are nervous about having a hypoglycemic episode. If that is the case, talk to your doctor about your anxiety and ways you can help address it.
Know the sex-related problems associated with diabetes
Having diabetes does not mean that you will automatically have a problem with sex. Men and women with diabetes can have sexual problems just like without diabetes, however.
- Men who have had uncontrolled diabetes for a long time can experience erectile dysfunction. This occurs because high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels that supply the penis, in turn impairing blood flow in that region.
- For women, the damage to the blood vessels supplying their sexual organs can cause reduced blood flow as well, which can lead to a loss of some sensation in the area. Hence, it may be harder to get aroused.
- Finally, diabetics have a higher risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and thrush, which can affect women’s sexual organs. This occurs because high blood sugar levels provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
Understand that you may experience low libido
Low libido can also be caused by medications or treatments you are on. This can be hard to deal with but remember there is support out there for you, and know that you don’t have to face this alone. Talk to your partner and explain your feelings. Remember that you are in this together. Chances are, they will be happy to help you work through your issues. You can also talk to your doctor, a relationship counselor or even a sex therapist. However, if you are single and you feel uncomfortable talking about your condition with a new partner then don’t. Do what makes you feel comfortable.
Decide what to do with your insulin pump before you have sex
Having an insulin pump can be a source of stress for patients as they might not know what to do when they start to have sex. You can be worried about what happens if it comes out accidently or if it gets in the way. You might also be concerned about how to explain your insulin pump to a new partner and whether you should take it off or leave it on. If you do leave it on, you might be concerned about how much insulin it should deliver. The answer to all these concerns is to do what makes you comfortable.
You can take it off if you want to. When you take your pump off, it means it won’t get in to the way and you are less likely to go through a hypoglycemic episode. However, you need to make sure to put it back on again. If you leave it on, it will make sure that your sugar levels don’t get too high but then they might drop down really low if you take it off. There is no one sure thing you can or should do. Try different things to see what works.
Conclusion
Sources & Links
- Jackson, G. (2004). Sexual dysfunction and diabetes. International journal of clinical practice, 58(4), 358-362.
- Tyrer, G., Steel, J. M., Ewing, D. J., Bancroft, J., Warner, P., & Clarke, B. F. (1983). Sexual responsiveness in diabetic women. Diabetologia, 24(3), 166-171.
- Enzlin, P., Mathieu, C., Vanderschueren, D., & Demyttenaere, K. (1998). Diabetes mellitus and female sexuality: a review of 25 years’ research. Diabetic medicine, 15(10), 809-815.
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