Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Diabetes, Intimacy, and Sexual Dysfunction

Sex and intimacy is an important part of any relationship and "problems in the bedroom" can wreck havoc on relationships. Women may experience problems such as vaginal dryness, frequent yeast infections, vaginal pain, and a lack of sexual desire. Men may experience lack of desire and/or erectile dysfunction. Sex is not only a physical act, it is also an emotional, intimate connection that bind couples together. If you are experiencing sexual dysfunction you may feel depressed, embarrassed, and alienated and may find it difficult to openly approach your health care provider to discuss these issues. But your sexual health is a part of your overall health and your health care provider is readily available to discuss your problems or prepared to refer you to the appropriate resources to get the assistance that you need for your problems. A few key issues that will probably be screened/discussed in your conversation with your health care provider are:
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Blood sugar control
  • Blood pressure control
  • Medications, particularly blood pressure medications.  You may benefit from a change in medication or a change in dose.
Following are 3 videos that discuss sexual dysfunction:

1. Erectile dysfuntion


2. Female Sexuality


3. Sex, Intimacy, and Diabetes


If you are experiencing challenges with intimacy and sexual dysfunction then I encourage you to speak with your health care provider today. Take care.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Bittersweet

Diabetes can sometimes feel self-defeating because it seems too overwhelming to do all of the "right" things every single day to keep the blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol under good control.  But like the  videos below emphasize, if you believe in yourself and don't give up, your victory will be bittersweet.  Take a moment to exhale then breathe in the inspirational messages in the 2 videos below.  If you are feeling defeated reach out to your health care team TODAY and always, always, always ... believe in yourself and think control!