(BlackDoctor.org) -- There are many complications that type 2 diabetes can cause, including damage to the heart, eyes, kidneys and even the nerves. But what about the effect diabetes can have on your sexual health? Nerve damage — one of type 2 diabetes' most common complications — can have an unfavorable effect on your ability to enjoy a healthy sex life.

Neuropathy is one of the problems caused by increased blood glucose associated with type 2 diabetes. Most commonly, neuropathy affects the hands and/or feet, but it can also affect sexual organs. For men, this may mean that not enough blood flows to the penis to maintain an erection. Called erectile dysfunction (ED), this condition is more prevalent in men with diabetes than the general public, and may occur at an earlier-than-average age.

For women who experience this nerve damage, the vagina may not be able to produce enough lubrication to allow for painless intercourse and could create a number of problems.

The Solutions

Although sexuality may be difficult to talk about, anyone who experiences sexual dysfunction should speak to their healthcare provider to discuss treatment options. Sex is an important part of a full and healthy life, and sexual problems that result from diabetes can often be helped.

If you are a man with erectile dysfunction, there are many options to help you enjoy an active sex life again, including one of the popular ED prescription medications, a vacuum pump to draw blood into the penis, or a penile implant.

If you are a woman with type 2 diabetes and you are having diabetes-related sexual problems, you can first try over-the-counter lubricants to help overcome vaginal dryness. Choose a water-based lubricant, one that is meant for sexual activity and that won’t erode condoms or a diaphragm. Other forms of artificial lubrication that may be helpful include vaginal suppositories.

Prevention Techniques

The easiest way to prevent sexual problems associated with diabetes is to control diabetes. Most of the problems associated with sexuality and diabetes are related to uncontrolled diabetes. Therefore those with type 2 diabetes can avoid developing such complications by keeping their blood glucose as even as possible.

The best way to control diabetes is to:

• Follow the diet recommended by your doctor, diabetes educator or dietitian
• Take medications as directed
• Exercise regularly
• Make sure your blood glucose levels are tightly controlled

Communication is the first step to understanding sexual changes caused by diabetes. If you’re having, or want to avoid, sexual problems because of your type 2 diabetes, talk to your doctor or diabetes educator.

By De'Laney Rowland, BDO Staff Writer