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 can significantly impact sexual function by disrupting the nerves that control sexual arousal, response, and function. Both peripheral neuropathy (which affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord) and autonomic neuropathy (which affects the autonomic nervous system) can interfere with the sexual organs’ ability to respond to stimuli and maintain normal sexual function.

Here’s how neuropathy can impact sexual function:

1. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in Men

Peripheral neuropathy can affect the nerves that control the penis and its ability to achieve or maintain an erection. Damage to the nerves that regulate blood flow to the penis can lead to difficulty achieving or sustaining an erection.
Autonomic neuropathy can interfere with the autonomic regulation of blood vessels and nerve signals, which are necessary for an erection. This can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition where men are unable to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity.
Diabetes, particularly when poorly controlled, is one of the most common causes of neuropathy-related erectile dysfunction, as high blood sugar can damage the nerves involved in sexual function. Other conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries can also contribute to ED through nerve damage.

2. Decreased Libido and Sexual Arousal

Neuropathy can affect the nerves involved in sexual arousal, leading to decreased libido (sexual desire). In both men and women, the inability to experience or respond to sexual stimuli due to nerve damage can reduce interest in sexual activity.
Autonomic neuropathy can also affect the release of hormones and chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin, that influence sexual desire and arousal. This is particularly common in conditions like diabetes and spinal cord injuries.

3. Vaginal Dryness and Pain During Sex in Women

In women, neuropathy can lead to a lack of vaginal lubrication, resulting in vaginal dryness. This occurs because the nerves responsible for stimulating the glands that produce vaginal lubrication may be damaged, leading to discomfort or pain during intercourse.
Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) can also be caused by the reduced sensation and loss of nerve function in the genital area, making sexual activity uncomfortable or even distressing. This can further affect sexual desire and satisfaction.
In women with autonomic neuropathy, the nerves responsible for controlling blood flow to the genitals may be affected, leading to reduced genital sensation, arousal, and orgasm.

4. Orgasmic Dysfunction

Neuropathy can also interfere with the ability to experience orgasms. The nerves involved in reaching orgasm may be impaired, leading to a reduced or absent orgasmic response.
This is more common in people with conditions like diabetic neuropathy and spinal cord injuries, where nerve damage disrupts the signals required for orgasm.

5. Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction

Neuropathy can affect the bladder and bowel control, which may indirectly affect sexual function. For example:
- Urinary retention or incontinence due to nerve damage can create anxiety or embarrassment around sexual activity, which can reduce sexual desire and satisfaction.
- Constipation or diarrhea caused by neuropathy can cause discomfort during sexual activity and affect overall well-being, potentially reducing sexual interest.

6. Psychological Impact

The impact of neuropathy on sexual function can also lead to psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which can further affect libido and sexual performance.
The stress and frustration of dealing with sexual dysfunction, combined with the physical symptoms of neuropathy (such as pain or numbness), can create a cycle of emotional and psychological barriers to sexual intimacy.

7. Sexual Dysfunction Due to Medications

Many people with neuropathy are prescribed medications to manage symptoms, and some of these medications can contribute to sexual dysfunction. For example, medications used to treat pain (like opioids or antidepressants) or to manage diabetes (like certain blood pressure medications or insulin) may have side effects that impact sexual desire or performance.

8. Impact of Neuropathy in Specific Conditions

Diabetic Neuropathy: As one of the most common causes of neuropathy-related sexual dysfunction, diabetic neuropathy can lead to ED in men and reduced libido, vaginal dryness, and painful intercourse in women. Managing blood glucose levels is crucial to reducing the impact of neuropathy on sexual function.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can affect the nervous system’s control over sexual organs, leading to reduced or absent sexual function, including loss of sensation, erectile dysfunction, and difficulty with orgasm.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS can lead to both central and peripheral nervous system damage, causing erectile dysfunction in men, vaginal dryness and orgasmic difficulties in women, and pain during sexual activity.
Parkinson’s Disease: In Parkinson’s, autonomic neuropathy can interfere with sexual function, leading to erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, and difficulty achieving orgasm.

9. Management of Sexual Dysfunction Due to Neuropathy

Medications: For erectile dysfunction, medications like sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) may help improve blood flow to the penis. In women, hormonal treatments or vaginal lubricants may help with vaginal dryness.
Counseling and therapy: Psychological counseling, including sex therapy and couples therapy, can help address the emotional and psychological impacts of sexual dysfunction due to neuropathy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can also help reduce anxiety and improve self-esteem related to sexual function.
Management of underlying conditions: Proper management of the underlying condition causing neuropathy (e.g., diabetes, multiple sclerosis) is crucial. This may involve better control of blood glucose levels, medications to manage symptoms, and lifestyle changes to improve overall health and sexual function.
Pelvic floor exercises: In both men and women, pelvic floor exercises (like Kegel exercises) can help improve muscle strength, blood flow, and sexual function.
Sexual aids and devices: In some cases, devices such as penile implants or vacuum erection devices can be helpful for men with erectile dysfunction. Women may benefit from vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, or devices that improve pelvic blood flow.

Conclusion

Neuropathy can significantly impact sexual function by interfering with the nerves that regulate sexual arousal, response, and function. This can result in erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and orgasmic dysfunction. Psychological factors, medications, and the underlying condition causing neuropathy can also contribute to sexual dysfunction. Proper management, including medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and therapy, can help improve sexual function and quality of life for individuals experiencing neuropathy-related sexual issues.

Jodi Knapp