Canadian Health: Contraception and Erectile Dysfunction
These days there is a more relaxed attitude to discussing subjects such as sex and contraception, but many people still find it difficult to ask questions about these topics. Generally, people with diabetes are no different from those without diabetes in any aspect of sexuality, fertility, infertility and contraception. However, there are some problems, such as the increased risk of impotence (sometimes known as erectile dysfunction) in men who have had diabetes for many years. 
This is often caused by neuropathy (nerve damage) or poor blood supply. Nowadays there are a variety of treatments available and if you are concerned about erectile dysfunction you should speak to your doctor. There have been very few studies of the effect of diabetes on sexual function in women but there is some evidence to suggest that women who have had diabetes for many years may have more difficulty achieving orgasm.
Various contraceptive devices have at times been said to be less effective in women with diabetes – the evidence for this is poor and women with diabetes should choose their contraception depending on their personal preferences.
Some oral contraceptive pills may be more suitable than others but your doctor will be able to advise you. Oral contraceptives do not increase the risk of developing diabetes.
IMPOTENCE (ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION)
I am a happily married man and have been diagnosed with diabetes. I have been told that diabetes could affect my sex life. Is this correct?
The majority of people with diabetes, both male and female, lead a completely normal and full sex life. It is true that problems may occur but many of these have nothing to do with diabetes. If your blood glucose levels are consistently high, this could affect your sex life. Some men have either nerve damage or arterial disease causing loss of sexual potency (erectile dysfunction), which can be directly attributed to diabetes.
Is it normal for people with diabetes to suddenly find themselves totally uninterested in sexual intercourse? My husband is really upset about my lack of desire!
The feeling that you describe is more common in women than men, but is no more likely in women with diabetes. Anything which makes you tired can lead to loss of interest in sex and poorly controlled diabetes can certainly affect your energy levels. In these circumstances loss of interest in sex is one of casualties of the high blood sugar.
I have had erratic blood glucose levels recently. Would low blood glucose affect my ability to achieve or maintain an erection and more importantly, my ability to ejaculate?
Not unless the blood glucose is very low (less than 4 mmol/L), in which case many aspects of brain and nerve function are affected and this could reduce both your potency and ability to ejaculate. These will return to normal when your blood glucose is stable.
