Arterial hypertension and diabetes – partners in sexual life

Abstract:

Diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2 and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are predominant chronic non-communicable diseases in a physician’s daily practice. They can cause sexual dysfunction by different mechanisms (vascular, neurogenic, endocrine, psychological, medications, surgery) or their combinations. Sexual dysfunction may be the first sign of the disease, as well as an indicator of the patient’s vascular status. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most extensively researched sexual dysfunction in men. Previously, psychological factors were considered as a main cause of ED, but recent studies have shown that age is the most significant risk factor, and that ED and CVD share the same risk factors: reduced physical activity, hypertension, obesity, smoking, hypercholesterolemia. Sexual dysfunction is a well-known complication of diabetes, more common in type 1, and is present in about 40 – 80% of patients. Changing lifestyle habits, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity and limited physical activity, has a significant effect on improving an individual’s sexual life.

Key words:
diabetes mellitus; hypertension; sexual dysfunction