"Diabetes can do WHAT to my penis?"

By: Brian Christine M.D. with Urology Centers of Alabama


Diabetes.... now, why would a urology blog start off with "Diabetes"? The fact is that diabetes mellitus is one of the primary causes of Erectile Dysfunction (ED), and, since my practice is limited to male sexual dysfunction and male urinary incontinence, diabetes is a great way to start off this blog.

Not only is diabetes a major contributor to ED it is also a contributor to Peyronie's Disease. ED, which is the inability of a man to attain an erection that is rigid enough or long lasting enough to engage in satisfactory sexual intimacy, and Peyronie's Disease, which is curvature of the penis with an erection, are two of the disease processes that I see daily in my men's sexual health practice. Because of the damaging effect diabetes has on the arteries in the penis and the fibrosis of penile tissue caused by diabetes, diabetic men are at high risk for ED and Peyronie's Disease, and not uncommonly men with diabetes have both Peyronie's and ED.

Though ED is more widely discussed and known about by both patients and physicians, Peyronie's Disease can be, and often is, just as devastating to the patient and the person who loves them. The curvature of the penis in Peyronie's Disease can be so severe that penetration is impossible or extremely painful for the man's partner.

The encouraging news is that we have excellent treatments for both ED and Peyronie's Disease. I would ask my Primary Care colleagues to specifically query their diabetic patients about ED and Peyronie's, and if your patient has either or both refer them to a urologist. Personally, I am readily available to see your patients and to handle their sexual health care from the most basic treatments to more complex, surgical interventions. I promise you, your patients will be thankful and appreciative.