Why Does Metformin Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction often seems to be a concern among men taking Metformin for managing Type-2 Diabetes. Although this drug helps regulate blood sugar levels to normal, a lot of men experience poor quality of erections after starting treatment with this drug. If you have noticed abnormalities with erections after using a medicine, you’ll blame it too.  

Does this mean this medicine impairs the ability to achieve or keep stronger erections? Will Metformin impact testosterone levels and fertility in men? Is it a temporary side effect or lasts for a lifetime? Why does metformin cause erectile dysfunction? We’ll uncover the truth in this guide. Keep reading. 

What Is Metformin and How Does It Work? 

Metformin is a commonly prescribed, highly effective treatment for Type-2 Diabetes. This biguanide works by regulating glucose levels in the blood. It is accomplished by reducing glucose production in the liver, improving insulin sensitivity, and decreasing the absorption of glucose in the intestines. The dosage could be once or twice daily, as per the severity of symptoms.  

Metsmall 500 mg is the standard dose suggested among diabetic individuals to help them regulate blood sugar at normal levels. 

However effective, this Type-2 diabetes medicine can only keep blood sugar levels in control. Moreover, it reduces the risk of health complications that could have occurred otherwise due to uncontrolled blood sugar. It is not a cure for this medical condition, though.  

What Is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)? 

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is among the most well-known sexual health disorders in men, which could impact men regardless of age and physical/psychological conditions. It is characterized by the inability of men to achieve or maintain erections to the desired strength for fulfilling intercourse. Factors like lifestyle choices, medicines in use, chronic illnesses (if any), etc, impact the possibility and intensity of impotence in men.  

Men diagnosed with diabetes are concerned about the risk of developing ED, as its treatment plays a vital role in its prevention. 

The Link between Metformin and Erectile Dysfunction 

Diabetes and sexual health concerns are obvious because men who already encounter high blood sugar levels are at risk of ED. Some reports suggest that men taking Metformin have developed symptoms of impotence after starting the treatment. This makes men question: Does diabetes cause ED? Or does Metformin trigger ED? 

| While no clear answer is available at the moment, it is known that Metformin affects hormonal balance and sexual functions in men. This could be the reason behind loose erections among diabetic individuals. 

How Metformin May Cause Erectile Dysfunction? 

Why does metformin cause erectile dysfunction when it is meant to control blood sugar? Here are certain ways this medicine influences sexual health in men: 

1. Low testosterone levels are a hormone critical for libido and erectile health. This further causes difficulties in erectile potential. 

2. Changes vascular health by interfering with pathways of nitric oxide, thus affecting blood flow towards the penis. 

3. Affects mental health as it is a long-term treatment. Diabetic individuals often undergo depression and anxiety due to not leading a normalized routine, due to lifelong reliance on medicine. 

Symptoms of Metformin-Induced ED 

How do you know if ED is Metformin-induced? Here are the common signs: 

• Reduced desire for sex 

• Feeling fatigued &a lack of motivation 

• Inability to get or keep stronger erections 

• Fewer or non-intense morning wood 

• Symptoms of depression or mood changes 

What the Research Says? 

While searching “Why does Metformin cause erectile dysfunction?”, you must explore what research states. According to some studies, this drug causes ED, while others don’t find it a possible reason behind symptoms of impotence in men. Diabetes is among the critical health conditions that increase the risk of ED. Hence, it is difficult to mark the role of this medicine for erectile health issues. 

Have a look at the research and studies conducted on the relationship between Metformin and ED: 

• Antidiabetic drugs and ED are causally associated. 

• Erectile dysfunction is among the most common possible side effects of Metformin. 

• Metformin improves blood flow towards the penis which is a good indicator for men experiencing ED due to reduced blood circulation to the genitals. 

• In a study conducted on non-diabetic individuals using erectile enhancers like Viagra, they were dosed with Metformin for about 4 months. As the period ended, they had better erectile functions after using this Type-2 diabetes medicine with an ED pill. [Source: Online Library] 

As seen, you’ll find mixed opinions on the association between this common male sexual health disorder and the very popular Type-2 diabetes medicine. You can say, the result varies among individuals according to their metabolic response to the drugs. 

Other Sexual Side Effects of Metformin 

We have discussed ED among the common Metformin side effects; here are more to consider: 

• Delayed ejaculation 

• Poor libido 

• Low quantity of sperm 

• Troubles in attaining orgasm 

No doubt, these symptoms can be observed among Metformin users; they could happen due to other concerns like high blood pressure, performance anxiety, or depression. 

How to Manage Erectile Dysfunction While on Metformin? 

First things first, if you experience impotence after using Metformin, don’t stop this drug right away. Seek help from your physician and try to identify the root cause. The physician shall recommend checking testosterone levels or suggesting ED medications in the meantime. You may have to incorporate necessary lifestyle changes or opt for alternative treatments of Metformin (as applicable). 

Natural Ways to Improve Sexual Health in Diabetic Men 

No wonder this drug helps reduce high glucose levels in the blood. you may look for alternatives to Metformin for diabetic men with ED. How about proceeding with the natural ways to improve sexual health in diabetic men? Here are the top-suggested changes to implement, as applicable: 

1. Managing blood sugar levels through appropriate medicines, a healthy diet, regular exercise & consistent monitoring helps in aligning sexual health. 

2. Necessary lifestyle changes like stress management, adequate sleep, limiting alcohol & smoking, etc can improve the quality of erections whether diabetic or not. 

3. Addressing psychological health through open communication with the partner and seeking professional help (whenever necessary) can help improve erections timely manner. 

4. Performing Kegel exercises helps in strengthening pelvic floor muscles that improve erections. 

5. Herbal supplements like Ginseng, Maca Root, L-arginine, etc, can boost libido in men.  

| If on treatment with Metformin or any alternative anti-diabetes drugs, don’t stop using them abruptly. Seek medical guidance before starting any natural ways to enhance sexual health. 

When to Talk to a Doctor? 

Reach out for medical help: 

• If you experienced normalized erections but then started getting loose erections after Metformin treatment 

• Overnight changes in libido 

• Frequent mood changes or signs of depression due to not attaining the desired erections 

• Insufficient quality of erections is now leading to fights or problems in relationships 

Conclusion 

Although Metformin is an excellent Type-2 diabetes medicine, it is often known to cause erectile health issues in some men. Not all men experience ED or softer erections after using this drug, though. However, if you notice “off-beat” erections, then report to your physician as soon as possible to seek appropriate treatment. 

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