From Dr. Lye Chuan Way and Professor Dr. Hazreen Abdul Majid
In conjunction with International Men’s Health Week 2021 (June 14-20), it’s time to address one of the most common men’s health problems – erectile dysfunction (ED).
ED is the inability to get or maintain a firm erection during intercourse, a common problem, especially in men with diabetes.
According to a local 2019 study, more than 80% of the 400 men surveyed said they had some degree of ED. More worryingly, more than a third reported severe forms of ED.
Men with diabetes are twice as likely to develop ED and may experience it 10 to 15 times earlier than their healthy counterparts. Sometimes difficulty maintaining an erection can even precede a diagnosis of diabetes.
The causes of ED in men with diabetes are complex and include damage to nerves, blood vessels, and muscle function, most of which are caused by poor, long-term blood sugar control.
That being said, ED can be a real challenge, leaving you and your partner frustrated and discouraged. However, don’t let that stop you from getting the help you need.
There are a few things you can do to improve the situation. Some of them improve ED and diabetes at the same time.
If you are a smoker, the first thing to do is to stop smoking. One of the main causes of ED is smoking, which narrows your blood vessels and the situation is worse if you are also a diabetic.
If you are overweight or obese, it is important to lose that extra weight, especially body fat. This will help control diabetes and improve ED.
Increased physical activity can help with both ED and diabetes control as it relieves stress, helps with weight loss, and increases blood flow.
Lastly, limit or stop drinking alcohol. Excessive alcohol leads to ED and also affects diabetes control. If you choose to drink alcohol, drink in moderation.
For healthy adults, this means you can have up to one drink a day if you are over 65 and up to two drinks a day if you are 65 or less.
If you are unsure how to manage your diet, consult a nutritionist.
Don’t underestimate the difference these changes can make. After all, a journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step, so start taking control of your lifestyle today.
Posted by Dr. Lye Chuan Way and Associate Professor Dr. Hazreen Abdul Majid, Department of Public Health and Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya.
The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
