Sexual Health Preservation for Diabetic Patients
Sexual Health Preservation for Diabetic Patients
Diabetes, known as “xiao ke” in traditional Chinese medicine, is a disease caused by insulin secretion and glucose metabolism disorders. In recent years, rising rates of diabetes correlate with changing dietary patterns. Surveys estimate over one million diabetics in China, with more than 90% being middle-aged or elderly. The incidence of erectile dysfunction among diabetics can reach 40%–60%, and for men over 50, it is even higher. Many elderly diabetics also suffer from significant arteriosclerosis.
The primary cause of sexual dysfunction in diabetes is metabolic disturbances and degenerative changes caused by diabetes, progressively damaging peripheral nerves, autonomic nerves, and small blood vessels. 95% of diabetic patients show evidence of penile artery blockage. Diabetic vascular disease is progressive; when it affects the cavernous arteries, erectile dysfunction occurs. Diabetes is a chronic illness. Long-term medication, dietary restrictions, and reduced physical stamina contribute to erectile dysfunction. Factors like job stress, marital conflict, and financial hardship can also increase the risk. Retrograde ejaculation is another common sexual dysfunction in diabetes.
Female diabetic patients show less obvious sexual dysfunction, partly because women are usually passive in sexual activity, experiencing lighter psychological pressure. Some female diabetics mistakenly believe diabetes can be transmitted sexually—a misconception. Diabetes is genetic and cannot be spread through sexual contact. This false belief contributes to sexual dysfunction and reduced libido. Female diabetics often suffer from vaginitis, urinary tract infections, abnormal odor, and painful intercourse. Reduced vaginal lubrication and autonomic nerve damage decrease vaginal sensitivity, hindering orgasm.
Traditional Chinese medicine attributes diabetes to spleen and kidney deficiency, with damage to qi and yin, inevitably affecting sexual function. Thus, diabetic patients should moderate sexual activity to avoid further depletion of kidney essence and worsening of symptoms. At the same time, they should consume foods and herbs that tonify the kidneys and nourish yin to treat diabetes, enhance libido, and improve sexual function.
For diabetic patients, sexual health preservation requires dietary control, appropriate medication to normalize blood glucose, and self-care to eliminate psychological barriers and mental factors. Through these methods, early-stage diabetes can achieve good results, stabilize blood sugar, and improve sexual function.