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The Question
12/25/09 09:42 AM

"I'm seeing a 54 year old man with diabetes 1 with Erectile Dysfunction what can he take to make our sex life better"
Asked By: mcole23  
Category: Blood Glucose Monitoring

Background Info Hide
He wears a pump and takes meds to prevent high blood pressure takes asprin everyday and viatamins is self conscious about not putting out he stay very busy and cant slow down except for sex how can we make our sex life more fulfilling

Expert Answers (1)

01/18/10 09:43 AM

Hello MCole23: Thank you for bring this topic to dLife and please accept my apology for the tardiness of response. Living with Ty1 can present many challenges, and the 10% of the population who deal with this minute by minute would NOT want to let this aspect of life pass them bye!

Erectile dysfunction, (ED) impacts approx. 50%n of Ty1 males. Unfortunately, this disease, even with a history of being very well controlled, due to the duration, can still impact the micro-vascular vessels in this delicate area. Worry and anxiety can cloud this topic: Have the diabetes well under control; A1C<7%, BP<130/80 mmHg, Total cholesterol<200, LDL<100, Tgs<150). Keeping the blood glucose under control is the best way to avoid impotence. Treatment choices available: (Discuss with PCP/Endo/or Urologist,)

  • erections can be inducted via medications :
  • surgical implants
  • or possible testosterone injections. You'll find all treatments may have risks and drawbacks. Simply confronting fears maybe the best treatment which can improve the sex life.

    If fears include the risk of lows after sex:

  • sex can be likened to a great workout and both mentally and physically exciting, lows can occur, or falls into the' pre-post exercise syndrome' guidelines (review articles included on the dLife site for more discussion).

    Diabetes self-management does not lend itself well to 'romantic', although we can be very resourceful!

  • Check the blood glucose first -may slow things down a bit, better than dealing with a severe low later
  • eat before or right after active sex
  • continue with the regular meal plan, having a snack before sleep for the night
  • He can unhook the pump during love making, as to avoid going low, and how long he can remain off the pump depends on how active you are while off the pump.
    Hope this helps and call on us as needed. Regards Sue
    • Answered By: Susan Throop
    Accreditations: RD, CDE, MA
    Sources Show

    Community Answers (3)

    06/03/10 08:31 PM

    Sweetie, intercourse is NOT the only was to have sex! We all have sensitive places that are not part of our genitals. There are many "toys" that can be used for some VERY enjoyable experiences. There are reliable, ethical vendors online that can supply your needs for devices, lubricants (which are very important), books, videos, and you should check out Dr Ruth Westheimer or Dr. Sue Johanson, or the Berman sisters Laura and Sue (one is an MD in urology and the other is a PhD clinical psychologist) online or some of their many TV appearances. While it is true that impotence is a very common complicati9n of diabetes in men--and is the symptom tht will get men whith previously untreated diabetes to a doctor--it is NOT an excuse for not making an effort to learn how to please one's partner. If his dysfunction is due to his diabetes, treatment IS covered by most insurance. There are resources available to you both. If he isn't willing to make an effort, maybe you should rethink your relationship with him!
    Answered By: sallyashus
    FLAG
    SourcesShow


    04/06/10 11:41 AM

    I need to post my answer here. I'm also 54yrs old and using an Insulin Pump without any kind of ED problems cause I've had ED for over 10yrs and know all the tricks. Let me start by having him check with his doctor on trying some of the ED pills, like Viagra. Now that did not work for me, and those pills are very expensive. So I took a path many years ago and believe me it has saved my life big time. I use a penis pump, yes there are many knds of them to buy too. And to add even fuel to the fire, my doctor found where I can buy oral injection meds. with his perscription I get a vial every 2 months or so. Yes, it sounds crazy but with a small CC needle of just 50 units, you only need maybe 30 units that inject directly on the side of the penis, and after maybe less than 15 mins. you are ready to go. I use both the injection and the pump because it's like having your cake and eating it too, if you know what I mean? Check into this I'm sure the two of you can come with something to make your love life much better!
    Answered By: jpan71855
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    01/22/10 05:17 PM

    Sorry to say ,but in my opinion your sex life is shot dead. Due to the fact your mate will simply not accept his condition. Therefore puts pressure on you by being sad and evasive of you. All that is left to do is embrace him several times a day. Always fix his favorite meals and desserts,insist yu hold hands while walking or watching a movie and snuggling up when retiring to bed. This will assure your husband he is stille loved and appreciated. Perhaps he will muster up courage to caress you sexually, to the point you can go on with your sex life. Good luck dear.
    Answered By: lennylee
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