Does taking metformin affect sexual function in diabetes?

Hello, generally speaking, metformin and gliclazide do not usually cause kidney damage when used properly. May I ask about your specific situation? Have you had any kidney function tests done? Can diabetes affect libido? Diabetes is caused by insufficient insulin leading to disrupted sugar metabolism, resulting in high blood sugar and dysfunction in major organs of the body, which can affect libido. Sexual dysfunction may occur. If diabetes is causing sexual dysfunction, the primary treatment is to control blood sugar with medications such as metformin, in order to restore normal sexual function.

Will taking the blood sugar-lowering drugs metformin and Dami Kang affect sexual function? Many male diabetes patients have found sexual dysfunction after being diagnosed, leading to a declining quality of life. Some of these patients believe that the main cause of sexual dysfunction is the long-term use of blood sugar-lowering medications. However, this is not the case. Blood sugar-lowering drugs do not affect sexual function. Erectile dysfunction is one of the complications of diabetes, and the causes are multifaceted, such as poor blood sugar control, excessive mental stress, etc.

Blood sugar-lowering drugs do not cause diabetes-related erectile dysfunction. Medical experts tell us that patients with diabetes complications (such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity) may take a variety of medications. The drugs used to control hypertension and regulate blood lipids may affect sexual function, but blood sugar-lowering drugs do not affect sexual function. Diabetes itself is the culprit behind sexual dysfunction. This is because after having diabetes for a period of time, there will be neurological and vascular changes, and the longer the disease lasts, the more likely there will be erectile dysfunction, especially for those with poor blood sugar control.

Why are diabetes patients prone to sexual dysfunction? Sexual dysfunction is more common in diabetes patients, with an incidence rate of 50%. Sexual dysfunction usually occurs in patients who have had diabetes for a long time. This is because high blood sugar can cause the deposition of polyols on nerve fibers, leading to the degeneration of nerve fibers and loss of function. Peripheral nerve damage can affect the sensation of the genitals, thereby reducing the erectile response. If the autonomic nerves in the corpus cavernosum are damaged, it can cause dysregulation of the blood vessels in the erectile tissue, resulting in incomplete engorgement of the corpus cavernosum.

In addition, diabetes patients are prone to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in arterial walls, which can narrow the blood vessels. The basal membrane of the blood capillaries in the corpus cavernosum can also thicken, leading to reduced blood supply and affecting erection. Diabetes can also lower the patient's sex hormone levels, thereby affecting sexual function. Many patients only discover their diabetes through examination after experiencing erectile dysfunction. If we do not consider the causes from various aspects and rely solely on the long-term use of certain aphrodisiac drugs, it will be in vain.

Treatment methods for diabetes-related sexual dysfunction Like other chronic complications of diabetes, there is a lack of specific treatment methods for diabetes-related sexual dysfunction. The basic treatment principle is to strictly control diabetes, supplemented with B vitamins and vasodilators, and actively eliminate the patient's mental disorders and psychological burdens. If the condition is mild and treated early, there may still be a possibility of recovery, but the therapeutic effect is often unsatisfactory. Some people have tried using chorionic gonadotropin or testosterone for treatment, but it is often ineffective. It can only increase libido, and the penis still cannot erect. Silicone prosthetic devices and accessories can be used to satisfy the psychological needs of the patient and their partner.

The above is the complete information provided in this article about whether diabetes affects sexual function when taking metformin. I hope it is helpful to you.