Erectile Disfunction

[Paul J]

This has got to be to me a life saving dicussion that I had with my doctor,

One of the typical symptoms in men of Diabetes is E.D.
It is estimated that 40% of men between the age of 40 and 60 suffer with E.D.
And they estimate that only 10% of men will go to the doctor and discuss it, because they are to embarrassed or to proud and to stupid to go ,
1 000 000 people are estimated to be walking around with undiagnosed diabetes,

Make no mistake , some of that million will be chaps, with diabetes , that may kill them,
I dont see any media coverage anywhere detailing this or advising us of this condition!!


I was very lucky I had a bad wrist (tendonitous?) which sent me to see the doctor, I also mentioned a few other things that were not quite right, that I had been saving up for her, including a bit of E.D.
E.D can also be the result of other underlying problems as well, but in my case, diabetes was the cause, and would have likely seen me off on christmas day if it had not been diagnosed in late november( hbac1 16.9) as I didnt have any other of the usual symptoms, thirst ,tiredness, according to my consultant,
I was rushed into hospital to be treated for diabetes and spent 5 days there that changed my life, and I survived and live to tell this tale, with no complications at present, apart from a little retina damage,
hbac1 now 6.7 in jan, levimer 16 units at night, novarapid, 5,6, and 6,

as most people who read this will already be diabetic,Im hoping that someone out there may be able to take this up and get it promoted, I would happy to help with this as I see it of great importance,perhaps Embarrissing bodies may help?

Paul

 

[sugarless sue]

There are already adverts on the TV and in the newspapers about ED also leaflets in the GP's waiting room.

However a lot of men do not want to even speak about it to their GP's as they are too embarrassed about it. The 'macho' culture of 'it's not happening to me, I'm a MAN ' has a lot to answer for in this respect.

 

[Paul J]

Hi sue,

They dont make much mention of diabetes though and that it will kill you if untreated!! maybe if this was made more widely known more men would visit their gp??

Paul

 

[cugila]

Just because you have Diabetes doesn't automatically mean you will have ED. In the same way that having ED doesn't mean that you will automatically get Diabetes.

It has been discussed on this Forum many times over the years. Keep good control of Bg levels and you may never even think about the subject.

As Sue says it has a lot to do with the 'macho' culture. There are definitely men who can't even broach the subject with their wives or girlfriends........talking to a GP or stranger seems an 'alien' concept to some.

As a Male myself I have read and heard much about the subject via all sorts of media so I wouldn't agree that it is not talked about. It is well discussed on this Forum.

There are many causes of ED not just Diabetes

•Heart disease
•Diabetes
•Prostate problems
•An operation e.g. prostatectomy
•An injury to the pelvis or spinal cord
•Obesity
•Some medications can also cause ED

Lifestyle causes:

•Smoking
•Alcohol use
•Recreational drugs

Psychological causes:

•Lack of self confidence
•Life stress
•Relationship problems

 

[Paul J]

hi caluga,
As I said,diabetes is just one of the causes,
Before I was diagnosed diabetic, I had no idea that ED was linked to diabetes, and as I try to stay healthy and am interested in staying so and consider myself to be reasonably well informed and not being diabetic previously I hadnt been on any diabetic forums, ( I hope that dosnt sound ignorant, or arrogant) my ED was sporadic and didnt cause me or my wife an issue, we are in a very happy relationship, but as it didnt always work on demand i mentioned it to my GP
I know we all are aware of the problems on here, but NOT ONE non diabetic person i have spoken to since I was diagnosed has associated ED with diabetes, and many dont know how serious diabetes is, all Im trying to do is suggest that public awareness of this link is to low and should be promoted to save more men from complications or worse from undiagnosed diabetes, after all, we all think we are invicible until we fall ill,

Paul

 

[sugarless sue]

I think, in general, that the healthy population do not actually think much of what they may or may not get if they do get ill !

I know I did not think too much about Diabetes before I got it and now know a lot more about it because it directly affects me.

 

[cugila]

Plau
Short of getting a soapbox out and a loud hailer, standing on a street corner and telling all and sundry about it I don't think there is much else you could do ? Mass mailings to every household ?

As usual those that aren't Diabetic won't give it a second thought, those that are Diabetic will always think that they will get complications, of which this is just one, me I prefer to think positively and if it happens.....deal with it. That's why I would always say look after your health and keep a tight grip on your Diabetes. Way to go.... :wink:

Is there anything that you could suggest to raise awareness then.......bearing in mind this forum is not an organisation, just a place for all of us Diabetic's to rant and moan, support and advise. :|

 

[dib]

Several years ago during my training to be a psychosexual therapist we were taught to be very aware of the link between ED and diabetes. Whenever a male client presents with ED it is standard practice to refer them to their GP for BG testing. It is becoming increasingly common for men in their 30's and even 20's to present with erection problems and while not all of these are diabetic I understand many are. So we in the 'trade' remain keenly aware that diabetes may be present even when all other clues ie: lifestyle etc. might indicate otherwise.

 

[Paul J]

cugila,
Apologies for getting your name incorrect, was a mistake not deliberate!!!
Paul

 

[cugila]

cugila,
Apologies for getting your name incorrect, was a mistake not deliberate!!!
Paul

Oops ! Overdose of Rugby.......it affects my eyesight !!! :wink:

 

[viviennem]

I think one of the best places to raise this sort of topic is Radio 4's Woman's Hour.

Why not go on to the Woman's Hour website and raise it as a discussion point on their 'contact us'?

After all, however indirectly, it affects 'us girls' too, and if we don't know anything about it, we can't help.

Also, maybe get your local GP to talk to the WI? Mine would, and they'd listen!

There are more ways of killing a cat than buttering it with parsnips! (not that I'd dream of killing a cat!). :wink:

Viv

 

[hallii]

The importance and revelance of erecctile disfunction should not be underestimated by those who are not of a male disposition. It is probably the most important side effect of T2 for those of us who are so afflicted.

Whilst it is not my intention to be rude to anyone, unless they have been so afflicted I am of the opinion that they are not qualified to judge.

As a male and being so afflicted I can only say that the importance of seeing your doc cannot be over emphasised.

Viagra and similar drugs have made a major difference to my life and that of my partner.

I urge anyone suffering from such symtoms to see their doctor and to be frank and to the point, there are various solutions to the problem.

Do not be shy, this can be sorted.

Sorry but this is a male thing, others may not understand.

H