Sex and diabetes in men

Just as advancing age can, diabetes can interfere with a man's sex life and lead to reduced performance. Fortunately, the repercussions of diabetes on male sexuality are not inevitable and solutions do exist.

Side effects of diabetes on male sexual health

Numerous studies show that diabetes leads to problems with sexual activity. People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to experience discomfort in their sex life compared to people without diabetes.

These sexual disorders appear more frequently in the male population and, more commonly still, among people prone to complications. It is therefore estimated that about one in two men with diabetes suffer from problems with their sex life.

Impact of diabetes on a man's sex life

Sexual performance in men can diminish with diabetes and with age. These inconveniences can result in erectile dysfunction or libido issues. It is estimated that they develop 10 to 15 years earlier than for people without diabetes, due to a combination of factors.

Causes may initially be psychological in nature: low morale, depression and lack of self-confidence. In fact, 35% of men with diabetes fear hypoglycaemia during intercourse and, in practice, 40% have experienced it.

Diabetes also has a direct effect on the functioning of the erectile system in 50% of all men with diabetes. By way of comparison, around 22 % of men without diabetes are affected by erectile disorder.

From a physiological point of view, certain complications (mainly neuropathies and vascular disorders) of diabetes induce impotence. Problems with body weight and levels of sex hormones in the blood can also affect intimacy, sexuality and the male reproductive system, notably through reductions in testosterone levels.

Prevention and treatment

To avoid long term issues, the need for early and comprehensive diabetes management is imperative.

To help prevent complications, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and adherence to lifestyle and diet recommendations (quality sleep, learning how to manage stressful situations, regular physical activity, a healthy diet and moderate alcohol consumption) is important in order to minimise the consequences of diabetes on a person’s sex life.

These recommendations will help maintain a healthy and enjoyable sex life, and also overall health and well-being.

Intimacy and wearing an insulin pump

If you wear an insulin pump, there is no right or wrong answer to the question ‘what should I do with my pump during sex?’

Just as you do when getting in the shower, you can take your insulin pump off before having sex. It is recommended that you’re not disconnected from the pump for longer than one hour. If preferred, you can leave the pump on but take care to not accidentally damage or disconnect the tubing. Be mindful to monitor your blood glucose levels after sex.