Inspiration And Expert Advice: Expert Columns
Leaky Pipes
By Janis Roszler, RD, CDE, LD/N
Tom and Jennifer are puzzled and upset. Lately, they’ve been having a problem in the bedroom that they don’t understand. Both understand that men with diabetes have a greater risk of developing erectile dysfunction or “ED,” but don’t believe that this is Tom’s issue. According to what they’ve heard, ED means that a man can’t have an erection. But Tom, who has type 2 diabetes, can achieve an erection. His problem is that it won’t stay around long enough for them to continue with their intimate activities.
If a man develops ED, he has difficulty developing and maintaining an erection. Diabetes, especially when it isn’t well controlled, can cause this problem to occur. To have a successful erection, three steps must take place:
1. The brain communicates the need for an erection by sending messages through the nerves.
2. Once the message is delivered, blood flows into the penis.
3. After the erection develops, veins close tightly so the blood won’t flow back into the body until it is time for the erection to stop.
Most men experience some type of erectile issues at various times in their lives. They can happen for a variety of reasons, including stress, relationship problems, side effects from medications, smoking, marijuana, or even from drinking too much alcohol. If a man has a problem in the bedroom, he doesn’t necessarily have ED. His difficulty is only considered “ED” if the problem occurs in more than half of his attempts.
Tom could have an erection, so both he and Jennifer did not realize that he was experiencing a type of ED. His condition is called “venous leakage.” The blood flows into the penis without any problem, but leaks back into the body. There are non-diabetes related causes for venous leakage, but diabetes can be a factor.
Individuals with diabetes are at risk for blood vessel problems – they can become damaged and clogged with fatty plaques. In Tom’s case, the veins that carry the blood from the penis back to the body are damaged and cannot close tightly anymore. Think of a balloon – when you inflate it with air, you must hold the end securely or the air will seep out and the balloon will deflate.
Tom and Jennifer decided to ask a physician for help. He suggested that they use a simple constriction ring to solve the problem. The flexible ring is placed at the base of the penis and constricts so that blood can’t return to the body until the ring is removed. They were relieved to learn that their problem had an easy answer and didn’t involve taking any new medication. Once they learned how to use it properly, their issue was resolved.
If you are a man with diabetes and have difficulty performing in the bedroom, speak with someone who can provide you with answers. There is a treatment for each and every man who has ED. Don’t stay silent. Speak to your doctor at your next visit.