How does neuropathy impact sexual function?

Neuropathy No More By JODI KNAPP Neuropathy No More is an eBook which is a compilation of all the essential information and details about the nervous system and how to keep it active and healthy. With the help of this program, one can get a relief from the symptoms of neuropathy. This eBook not only tells you about the nervous system, but also helps to provide essential information to get relief from the condition of neuropathy. It also provides information about how you can prevent this condition from coming back in the near future.

How does neuropathy impact sexual function?

Neuropathy, particularly autonomic neuropathy, can have a significant impact on sexual function by disrupting the nerves that control sexual response and arousal. The autonomic nervous system regulates many involuntary functions, including sexual function, by controlling blood flow, muscle contractions, and hormone release. When neuropathy affects these nerve pathways, it can lead to a range of sexual issues in both men and women.

Sexual Function in Men:

1. Erectile Dysfunction (ED):

What Happens: Neuropathy can affect the nerves responsible for initiating and maintaining an erection. This results in difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.
Causes: Damage to the pudendal nerve, which controls erection, or the autonomic nerves that regulate blood flow to the penis can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty achieving an erection.
- Inability to maintain an erection.
- Reduced sexual desire or arousal.

2. Decreased Ejaculation:

What Happens: Neuropathy can also affect the nerves that control ejaculation, leading to problems with the release of semen.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty achieving orgasm or ejaculate.
- Pain or discomfort during ejaculation.
- Reduced volume of ejaculate.

3. Decreased Sensitivity:

What Happens: Neuropathy can reduce the sensation in the genital area, making sexual activity less pleasurable or even uncomfortable.
Symptoms:
- Reduced sensation during sexual activity.
- Numbness or tingling in the genital area.

Sexual Function in Women:

1. Vaginal Dryness:

What Happens: Autonomic neuropathy can interfere with the production of vaginal lubrication, leading to dryness and discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Symptoms:
- Pain or discomfort during sex due to lack of lubrication.
- Increased susceptibility to vaginal infections or irritation.

2. Decreased Sexual Desire and Arousal:

What Happens: Neuropathy can impair the nerves involved in sexual arousal, leading to a reduced desire for sex and difficulty reaching arousal.
Symptoms:
- Reduced libido or interest in sexual activity.
- Difficulty becoming aroused, even with stimulation.

3. Orgasmic Dysfunction:

What Happens: Neuropathy can interfere with the ability to reach orgasm due to nerve damage affecting pelvic muscles and sexual response.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty achieving orgasm or an inability to experience orgasm.
- Reduced pleasure from sexual activity.

Common Contributing Factors:

Diabetes:
- Diabetic Neuropathy: One of the most common causes of neuropathy-related sexual dysfunction is diabetes, especially when blood sugar levels are poorly controlled over time. Diabetic neuropathy can affect both men and women, leading to erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, and decreased arousal.
Autonomic Neuropathy:
- Neuropathy affecting the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions (including sexual response), can contribute to the issues mentioned above.
Peripheral Neuropathy:
- Peripheral neuropathy, which affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, can also contribute to sexual dysfunction by reducing sensation in the genital area.
Hormonal Imbalances:
- Neuropathy may also be associated with hormonal changes that impact sexual function. For example, neuropathy can be linked to conditions like hypothyroidism or low testosterone, which can further reduce libido and sexual function.
Medications:
- Some medications used to treat neuropathy or its underlying causes (e.g., antidepressants, pain relievers, or blood pressure medications) may also have sexual side effects, such as reduced libido or erectile dysfunction.

Management of Neuropathy-Related Sexual Dysfunction:

1. Addressing Underlying Causes:

Blood Sugar Control: In cases of diabetes-related neuropathy, maintaining optimal blood sugar levels can help prevent or slow the progression of neuropathy and reduce its impact on sexual function.
Medication Adjustment: If medications are contributing to sexual dysfunction, your doctor may adjust the dose or switch to alternatives with fewer sexual side effects.

2. Medications for Erectile Dysfunction:

For men, medications like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra) can help improve blood flow to the penis and treat erectile dysfunction caused by neuropathy.

3. Lubricants and Vaginal Moisturizers:

For women experiencing vaginal dryness, the use of lubricants or vaginal moisturizers can help alleviate discomfort during sex.

4. Pelvic Floor Exercises:

Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through exercises like Kegels can improve sexual function by enhancing sensation and muscle control in both men and women.

5. Counseling and Therapy:

Sex therapy or couples counseling can be beneficial for those whose sexual issues are affecting their relationships or emotional well-being.
Psychological support: Sometimes, addressing anxiety, depression, or self-esteem issues related to sexual dysfunction can improve overall sexual health.

6. Medical Devices:

In some cases, devices such as vacuum erection devices for men or vaginal dilators for women can help with sexual function.

When to Seek Help:

If you are experiencing sexual dysfunction due to neuropathy, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider who can help diagnose the underlying cause and suggest appropriate treatments. Early intervention can improve sexual health and overall quality of life.

Jodi Knapp