FirstMed Consulting Blog

People often mistakenly think that sexual problems mainly arise from relationship problems or mental health issues. However, sexual health is a good barometer of general health. Here are a few medical conditions and situations whose impact might be felt in the bedroom:

1. Diabetes. Sex problems frequently coexist with diabetes primarily due to the nerve damage it causes. About 50 per cent of men with diabetes will experience some kind of sexual problem such as erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction, while women may face decreased arousal and difficulty achieving orgasm. The risks of these sexual side effects may be reduced by keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in check. Type 2 diabetes is the commonest form and generally found in people over 40. Most people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight and many of them have only mild symptoms for years before the diabetes is even noticed. It is very important that diabetes is tested for and ruled out before taking treatments for impotence such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra.

2. Vascular disease. Sexual problems can be frequently caused by several different vascular conditions which can cause harm to blood vessels, hardening and tapering arteries. This damage can restrict blood flow to the genitals. For men, this may translate into inefficient erections; for women, inadequate lubrication.

4. Alcohol. Small amounts of alcohol can be good for you. However, alcohol consumed in excessive amounts can have a serious affect on sexual health. While alcohol may provoke desire, even moderate amounts spoil the capacity to perform. Excessive drinking also results in behavioral changes that reduce sexual desire and inhibit sexual performance. Concentration and judgment become cloudy and physical activity and movement are impaired. Abuse of alcohol is often associated with other negative factors like smoking, over eating, lack of exercise and drug abuse.

3. Depression. Sexual dysfunction often accompanies depression, since the brain, commonly called the “the largest sex organ,” is where that spark of sexual desire originates. If brain chemicals, or neurotransmitters, aren’t properly balanced, libido, arousal, and orgasm can take a hit. Frustratingly, antidepressants such as selective and nonselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that act on serotonin receptors may dampen desire, decrease arousal, and stall or squash orgasm. Luckily, antidotes exist. Recent Studies (supported by Pfizer) have found that Viagra and Viagra-like medications may help.

5. Medication side effects. Countless medications can have an affect on libido. Besides antidepressants that act on the brain’s serotonin receptors, certain high blood pressure medications, and even the birth control pill, can have sexual side effects. Medicines used to treat high blood pressure, such as beta-blockers, thiazide diuretics and clonidine, can cause impotence. Some, but not all, statins and fibrates, used to treat high cholesterol levels, may also have a minor effect. Subbing a different drug or a lower dosage may make a difference.