Fertility and diabetes: What diabetics can do to improve their sexual health

Diabetes, especially uncontrolled diabetes, creates complications like nerve damage and cardiovascular problems, and it is strongly linked to infertility in both men and women. Here are some steps people with diabetes can take to maintain their sexual health.

Diabetes is a growing problem that has been linked to insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels. Chronic uncontrolled diabetes causes complications such as nerve damage,and cardiovascular problems, and is strongly linked to sexual health issues in both men and women.

Dr. Deepika Mishra, Consultant - Birla Fertility and IVF, stated in an interview with HT Lifestyle, "Diabetes-induced hormonal and neurovascular changes lead to low levels of testosterone, decreased sexual desire, decreased energy, depression, anxiety, fatigue, weight gain, frequent lower urinary tract infections, erectile dysfunction, and infertility in men."

"It is recognized that diabetes can be detrimental to female sexuality in a multifactorial manner, including both psychologic and physiologic dimensions collectively known as Female Sexual Dysfunction," she said of women (loss of libido, dyspareunia, infections). Diabetes mellitus type 2 is ten times more common in young women with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS) than in normal women. Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are the root causes of all subfertility manifestations in PCOS patients.

She recommended the following dietary and lifestyle changes to overcome the negative effects of diabetes on sexual health in both men and women:

1. Effective blood sugar control with medications such as oral hypoglycemic agents, insulin sensitizers, and insulin injections

2. Dietary modification through the consumption of foods high in fiber and low in glycemic index (green leafy and salad vegetables, carrots, beans, peas, broccoli, leeks, funnels and asparagus, whole fresh fruits, and nuts)

3. Regular physical activity

4.Meditation and yoga

5. Avoiding sedentary lifestyles

6. 8-10 hours of uninterrupted sleep

7. Give up any addictions such as smoking, alcohol, or excessive caffeine consumption.

8. Stress-relieving activities such as book reading and music listening

9. Medical care for specific sexual health issues such as erectile dysfunction

10. Psychological counseling for sexual health problems

"The burden of diabetes is increasing globally," said Dr. Shreedevi Tanksale, Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Infertility Specialist at Little Miracles Fertility Clinic. Indians have a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity and unhealthy lifestyles that lead to diabetes. Vaginal infections, dryness, recurrent urinary tract infections, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and infertility are the most commonly reported sexual issues in diabetics."

She added the following to the list of steps to ensure safe sexual health:

1. Use barrier contraception for safe sex practices. The use of male and/or female condoms helps to prevent sexually transmitted infections as well as unintended pregnancies.

2. Monogamous relationship - refrain from having multiple sexual partners.

3. HPV Vaccination - The most common cause of genital warts and cervical cancer is the Human Papilloma Virus. Both can be easily avoided with a full vaccination.

4. Maintain personal hygiene - use a vaginal wash to maintain optimal vaginal pH and avoid recurrent infections

5. Pre and probiotics - they aid in the maintenance of healthy vaginal flora, which helps to prevent vaginal infections.

6. Gynecologist follow-up - a gynecologist should perform a pap smear as a screening for cervical cancer on a regular basis.

7. Maintain optimal blood sugar levels by seeing a diabetologist on a regular basis.

8. Consult your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms such as excessive weight gain, excessive thirst, and urination, or repeated vaginal or urinary infections.

9. Regular physical activity 45-60 minutes per day 5 times per week

10. Adhere to a diabetic diet - Make sure to adhere to a healthy diet prescribed by a nutritionist.

CONCLUSION

Do not be afraid of these symptoms. Diabetes is easily managed with a strict diet, exercise, and medication. You can have a sexual life that is healthy.