Sexual health complications

People with diabetes may experience sexual problems. Sexual functioning requires the body's nerves, blood vessels and mental state to work together. Nerve damage due to diabetes can result in sexual dysfunction.

Several major sexual dysfunctions are related to diabetes:

• difficulty with lubrication (women)
• difficulty reaching orgasm (women)
• impotence (inability to have and maintain an erection adequate for vaginal penetration) (men)
• retrograde ejaculation (unable to ejaculate despite having an orgasm) (men)

Physical or emotional causes of sexual dysfunction also may exist, so it is important to talk to a doctor if any sexual difficulties occur. Sexual dysfunction can be treated.

Communication between sexual partners is the first step in receiving help for a sexual problem. Psychologists or counselors can help if communication is a challenge.

For more information, call Park Nicollet Sexual Health at 952-993-2786.

Back to Complications