JAKARTA - Diabetes can affect overall body health, including for sexuality. Diabetics, both women and men, may face the negative impact of diabetes on their sexual life.

In men, diabetes can cause erectile dysfunction due to damage to blood vessels and nerves that interfere with the flow of blood to the penis. Other impacts include decreased libido, fertility problems caused by damage to sperm cells, to peyronie disease that causes curvature of the penis.

"Efficient dysfunction is the most common sexual dysfunction in men, including those with diabetes," said professor of sexual specific medicine, Sharon J. Parish, MD, quoted from Everyday Health, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

Whereas in women, diabetes can cause difficulty with sexual nuances, vaginal dryness, decreased interest in sexual activity, and problems with the achievement of orgasm. This is caused by complications such as nerve damage (neuropathy) and changes in blood vessels due to diabetes.

"The fatigue of uncontrolled diabetes can also reduce interest in sex," said urologist Justin Houman, MD.

Therefore, it is very important for diabetics to maintain a healthy lifestyle for a better quality of life, including for sexuality. Here are some tips for having a healthy sex life for diabetics.

1. Consumption of healthy food

Consumption of healthy foods can make very good differences. Vegetables and seeds can help stabilize your blood sugar and give you the energy needed to have sex.

The food is also rich in fiber and healthy gut microbiomes, bacteria and other organisms that keep the intestines healthy. This can be used as a snack before sex, which can help increase stamina and keep blood sugar under control.

2. Physical exercise

Having sex is a form of exercise that requires energy. So you can do physical exercise to help build stamina and have more energy for sexual activity.

With physical exercise, the body will also be more sensitive to insulin. This can help control insulin levels more efficiently for diabetics.

3. Take medication regularly

Follow your doctor's instructions well and make sure to take medication regularly. If you are suffering from diabetes, controlling blood sugar from a doctor is very important, and this will help you to be better at having sex.

4. Manage stress well

Suffering from diabetes may interfere with and affect your mental health. With that, manage stress well, calm your mind and avoid negative thoughts when having sex.

Focus on having a fun moment with your partner. It is also recommended to do meditation in order to manage stress better.


The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)

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