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Copywriting丨Health Science Doctor Wang
Editor丨Health Science Doctor Wang
Diabetes has become an invisible killer of people's health. Not only does it silently erode our bodies, but it can also bring a series of embarrassing and troubling problems – sexual dysfunction.
When you find that you or your partner are in the shadow of diabetes and your sexual function is gradually declining, your heart is inevitably full of doubts and uneasiness.
How exactly did all this happen? Can we find the key to returning to the path of "sexual bliss"? Let's lift the veil and find out.
1. The "indissoluble bond" between diabetes and sexual function
Imagine a once-sweet sex life now a distant dream, a transformation that can be a devastating blow to anyone.
Why does diabetes, a disease that seems not to be directly related to sex, become the driving force behind sexual dysfunction? In fact, the reasons behind it are complex and far-reaching.
1. Vascular factors: hardened arteries, obstructed blood flow
In diabetic patients with long-term poor blood sugar control, abnormal metabolism in the body will lead to gradual hardening and occlusion of arterioles. This change not only affects vital organs such as the heart and brain, but also affects the sexual organs.
For men, the fluctuation of the dorsal artery of the penis is weakened, which directly affects the erectile function of the penis, leading to the appearance of sexual dysfunction such as impotence. In women, vascular sclerosis of the corporis cavernosa may weaken the excitatory function of the clitoris, affecting libido and response.
2. Nerve damage: demyelinating lesions, obstruction of nerve conduction
Vascular disease caused by diabetes not only affects blood flow, but also affects the nervous system.
The sclerosis and occlusion of the arterioles affects the nutrient supply of the nerves, leading to nerve demyelination lesions and axonal disintegration, which in turn affects the nerve conduction and sexual response of the sexual organs.
This nerve damage causes the sexual organs to become unresponsive to sexual stimuli or even lose their ability to respond altogether.
3. Changes in hormone levels: abnormal metabolism of sex hormones
Diabetic patients are often accompanied by liver and kidney dysfunction, which directly affects the metabolism of sex hormones in the body.
Sex hormones play a vital role in maintaining sexual function, and once the metabolism is abnormal, it can lead to an imbalance in the level of sex hormones, which in turn affects sexual function.
In men in particular, abnormal testicular function and decreased testosterone levels can significantly reduce erectile function and libido.
4. Psychological factors: a double whammy of anxiety and depression
As a chronic metabolic disease, diabetes is currently incurable. This reality places a heavy psychological burden on the patient, and depression and anxiety follow.
The lack of understanding or neglect of the condition by family members is even worse, further exacerbating the psychological pressure of the patient.
This state of mind not only affects the patient's daily life, but also directly affects sexual function, forming a vicious circle.
2. Sexual function recovery: the light of hope is not out of reach
Faced with the sexual dysfunction brought on by diabetes, many patients feel hopeless.
The development of modern medicine has provided us with a variety of treatment methods to help patients regain their "sexual bliss". Sexual function recovery is not impossible, the key is to adopt a scientific and systematic treatment approach, combined with healthy lifestyle adjustments.
1. Blood sugar control: the ultimate cure
Regardless of the type of diabetes complication being treated, blood sugar control is always the foundation.
Stabilizing blood glucose within the ideal range through proper dietary management, regular exercise, and necessary medication is the first step in preventing and treating sexual dysfunction.
Patients should develop a personalized hypoglycemic regimen under the guidance of a doctor and adhere to it.
2. Nutrition of nerves: repair damaged nerves
For the nerve damage caused by diabetes, nutritional nerve therapy is particularly important.
Drugs such as methylcobalamin and vitamin B12 can promote the repair and regeneration of nerve cells and improve nerve conduction function. Rational use of these drugs under the guidance of a doctor can help restore the nervous response capacity of the sexual organs.
3. Improve circulation: unblock blood vessels and promote erection
Vascular disease is one of the important causes of diabetic sexual dysfunction. Improving blood circulation is essential for restoring sexual function.
Medications, such as calcium oxybenzenesulfonate capsules, can dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow, which can improve congestion during penile erection.
Proper exercise also helps to promote blood circulation and improve the function of the sexual organs.
4. Psychological intervention: reshaping a healthy mindset
Psychological factors play an important role in diabetic sexual dysfunction. Psychological interventions are also an integral part of treatment.
Patients can alleviate anxiety and depression through psychological counseling and relaxation training, and build confidence in overcoming the disease. The support and understanding of family members is also an important source of strength for the patient's psychological recovery.
5. Medication: Targeted solution to erection problems
For people with severe erectile dysfunction, doctors may prescribe medications such as phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
Such drugs such as sildenafil, tadalafil, etc., are effective in improving erectile function by increasing nitric oxide levels in the corpora cavernosa of the penis, promoting vasodilation and increased blood flow.
Medication should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor and avoid self-purchase and use.
6. Combination treatment: multi-pronged approach for better results
For patients with severe diabetic sexual dysfunction, it is often difficult to achieve satisfactory results with a single treatment.
In this case, a combination of therapeutic strategies, combining pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and mechanical therapy, can be used to achieve the best treatment outcomes.
For example, for patients with erectile dysfunction due to penile vascular disease, surgical treatments such as penile implantation may be considered.
3. Prevention is better than cure: the daily life of protecting sexual well-being
In addition to aggressive treatment of sexual dysfunction that has already occurred, prevention is equally important. Diabetic patients should start from the daily life to protect their sexual well-being.
1. Eat a balanced diet: low in sugar, salt, and fat
People with diabetes should strictly control their diet intake of sugar, salt, and fat. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and get plenty of high-quality protein.
Avoid greasy, irritating foods and high-sugar beverages and snacks. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol is also one of the important measures to protect sexual function.
2. Regular exercise: Enhance physical fitness and improve circulation
Moderate exercise can help strengthen physical fitness, improve blood circulation, and increase the body's sensitivity to insulin.
Diabetic patients should choose the appropriate exercise mode and intensity according to their own conditions, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, etc. Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week can help maintain good physical condition.
3. Get enough sleep: recharge your energy and restore your strength
Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy physical and mental state.
People with diabetes should make sure they get enough quality sleep each night and avoid staying up late and overexertion. Good sleep habits can help relieve stress, restore strength, and improve sexual function.
4. Regular physical examination: early detection and early treatment
Diabetic patients should have regular physical examinations to monitor changes in blood glucose, blood pressure, blood lipids and other indicators. Once abnormalities are found, they should seek medical treatment in time to prevent the condition from worsening and causing more serious complications.
Patients should also pay attention to their sexual function status and consult a professional doctor if sexual dysfunction is discovered.
5. Positive attitude: Optimistic about life
Maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset is essential for people with diabetes. When faced with the challenges of the disease, patients should learn to adjust their mindset and maintain an optimistic mental outlook.
Connect with family, friends and medical professionals to get emotional support and practical advice to cope with diabetes and the challenges it brings.
4. Conclusion: The road of sexual happiness, you and I go together
The problem of worsening sexual function after diabetes is indeed troubling, but it is not unsolvable. Through scientific treatment methods and healthy lifestyle adjustments, patients have every chance to regain their "sexual bliss".
In this process, patients, family members, and healthcare professionals should work together to support the patient's sexual health.
Although the road to sexual happiness is long and difficult, as long as we have firm faith and move forward bravely, we will definitely be able to reach the other side!
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