It’s not uncommon to have trouble getting an erection sometimes, but if it gets worse, happens often, or prevents you from living the life you want, it’s time to get it checked out.

Men with diabetes are more likely to have heart disease, and ED can be a warning sign of blood vessel problems. If you have both, talk to your doctor about treatment. Some ED medicines aren’t safe to take with certain heart medicines, so make sure you let your doctor know about all medicines you’re taking.

Treatment

It can be tough to talk about ED, but it’s a conversation worth having with your doctor so you can get treated. There are a number of treatment options available including:

• Medicines.
• Testosterone.
• Vacuum devices.
• Injections or suppositories.
• Implants.

Each treatment option has pros and cons, but almost all men with ED can be successfully treated. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your options to find one that works for you.

Other health problems

In addition to ED, nerve damage from diabetes can cause other problems for men, including:

• Overactive bladder (urinating often, especially at night)
• Incontinence (leaking urine)
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Retrograde ejaculation (semen is released into the bladder)

These problems could mean you need to change how you’re managing your diabetes. If you’re having health complications from diabetes, it could be a sign that your blood sugar is too high. Healthy habits like being active and eating a balanced diet can help you manage diabetes, and prevent or delay complications.