There are several common health conditions in men with diabetes. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of those commonalities. As leading physicians have found, because of the damage that diabetes can cause to nerves and blood vessels, men with diabetes often find it harder to get or maintain an erection. However, men with both diabetes and ED have pharmaceutical options to help improve their sexual function. But which pill is the best choice?
The bottom line is that there is no one particular “best” ED med for men with diabetes. There are many medications available, and some men who have not found success with Viagra achieve better results with Levitra or another drug.
If you are a man with both diabetes and erectile dysfunction, we encourage you to inform yourself about the links between diabetes and ED as well as your different pharmaceutical choices, their benefits, side effects, and comparative pricing. Armed with this information, you will be in a better position to discuss your treatment with your doctor or pharmacist.
Read on for more information about diabetes and erectile dysfunction and how to get the help you need to regain a healthy, happy, and satisfying sex life.
The Link Between ED and Diabetes
Men who suffer from diabetes face the challenge of controlling the amount of sugar in their blood. This fluctuation in blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels necessary to achieve and maintain an erection. Indeed, vascular complications are one of the most common complications of diabetes and an overall contributor to a lower life expectancy in men overall.
Good blood flow is essential to an erection. When blood vessels become damaged or impaired, the penis cannot fill with the blood necessary to become erect, and it can be additionally difficult if there is insufficient blood flow to maintain the erection. Adding to the vascular complications is the common complication of diabetic neuropathy (disease or dysfunction of the nerves) that further increases the blocks and challenges to getting and keeping an erection.
Finally, men who struggle with their levels of blood sugar can also experience a drop in the production of nitric oxide in the blood. When a man becomes sexually excited, the brain orders the release of this chemical into the bloodstream to tell the arteries and muscles in the penis to relax and prepare for an erection. High blood sugar levels impede this process.
What Can Be Done About Erectile Dysfunction from Diabetes?
While the links between ED and diabetes are well known, so are the avenues for remedying the situation. Men with both conditions must work with their doctors to control their blood sugar levels and should also consult with a physician about what ED medications might be best for them.
To assist in this process, we provide the following information to help you make an informed decision. This chart includes eDrugstore.com’s latest pricing information. We provide this information to help you feel more prepared and make good decisions in consultation with your doctor.
Comparing Erectile Dysfunction Medications
| Medication | Time to Take Effect | Standard Dose | Side Effects | Average Price Per Dose Nov. 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra (sildenafil) | 30-60 minutes | 50 mg | Headache Flushing of skin Stomach upset Abnormal vision Stuffy or runny nose Muscle pain Dizziness Rash | Viagra $39.94 (Generic) sildenafil $10.32 |
| Levitra (vardenafil) | 60 minutes | 10 mg for men to the age of 65 5 mg for men age 65 and up | Headache Flushing of skin Stuffy or runny nose Dizziness Abnormal vision Stomach Upset Muscle pain Heartburn | Levitra $31.49 (Generic) vardenafil $24.44 |
| Cialis (tadalafil) | 30 minutes | 10 mg as needed or 2.5mg daily | Headache Flushing of skin Stomach upset Diarrhea Flu-like symptoms Memory problems Muscle pain Low blood pressure Abnormal Vision Dizziness Abnormal ejaculation Priapism | Cialis $39.03 (Generic) tadalafil $18.80 |
| Stendra (avanafil) | 15 minutes | 100 mg | Headache Dizziness Flushing of skin Cold symptoms Diarrhea Constipation Stomach Upset Back Pain | $71.23 |
| Staxyn | 60 minutes | 10 mg | Headache Stuffy or runny nose Dizziness Upset stomach Indigestion Back pain | $35.21 |
This chart shows the most common side effects associated with each medication and does not represent a complete list.
How Men with Diabetes Should Choose an ED Medication
Many men will begin with Viagra as an ED medication. It is the medicine with the longest history, and doctors often have the most experience with the drug. As you can see by the chart, because it has been on the market for longer, Viagra is also the cheapest ED medication available.
As we noted at the beginning, however, not all men with diabetes have the best luck with Viagra. Some men find Cialis or Levitra to be more effective. Men should remember two things:
- Stay in communication with your doctor.
- Don’t give up!
Just because you have tried Viagra and it didn’t work well for you, it doesn’t mean that you are out of options.
Are You Ready to Talk About Your Options?
Leading online retailer eDrugstore.com has U.S. certified doctors and pharmacists standing by to talk through these choices with you and help you find the best medication for you and your body. Visit our erectile dysfunction page, and learn how you can set up a FREE, confidential, and convenient telehealth appointment from the comfort of your own home.
We have decades of experience in helping men regain maximum sexual health and enjoyment while working with their other conditions. Not comfortable online? Call our toll-free number at 1-800-467-5146 to talk to a representative, seven days a week, and find out how we can help you get the medication that you need.
There is no need to forgo sexual pleasure and health! Call or visit our site today!
Elizabeth Nichols is an experienced and flexible author with extensive experience in both popular media and academic publishing. She specializes in health, medical and travel writing.
