A new OTC option for ED treatment does not mean it’s ok to skip talking about it with your doctor!
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common diabetes-related complications. 75% of men with diabetes report Erectile dysfunction. Rates are higher and age of onset is lower among men with diabetes.
Back in 2023, the FDA approved an over-the-counter treatment for Erectile Dysfunction. A recent study continues to show efficacy for this topical gel product. This is great news for the roughly 24% of all US men who suffer from ED. (Among men with diabetes rates are higher at younger ages as well, with 15% of men 30 and below experiencing ED symptoms, and 55% by age 60. This is double the rate for men under 60 in the non-diabetes population)
ORAL MEDICATIONS:
Of those with ED 60% either can not use oral medications like Viagra or Cialis, or find their side effects unwanted (Headache, delayed action, prolonged erection, etc) The oral medication options can only be used for a short duration (12-16 weeks) and should not be used by patients with cardiovascular disease, low blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, certain eye diseases like retinopathy, or certain classes of medication.
TOPICAL MEDICATIONS:
Topical erectile aids like MED3000 contain a combination of rapidly evaporating solvents which stimulate a cooling effect followed by warming to trigger the body’s release of nitric oxide which relaxes muscle fibers and increases blood flow to erectile tissues. The effect is almost immediate.
When we take all of the groups who should not use oral ED treatment options we can see a lot of overlap with the population of people with diabetes. For these people, a topical option is a great option.
HOWEVER!!!
Men are already likely to underreport ED symptoms to their doctors. Self-treating with an over-the-counter option could put many men in life-threatening health crises. ED is often the first symptom of a cardiovascular or vascular health problem. Many men can be diagnosed and treated for issues that could otherwise have ended their lives prematurely, all because they let their doctor know about their erectile difficulties.
If men, particularly men under 65, who would not otherwise be screened for cardiovascular disease issues, skip their doctor and head online or to the drug store to treat their ED, the costs could be deadly.
While the first line of defense against ED is good blood sugar management, it can be difficult to achieve without the best in education and support. Working with our patients to help them reach their blood sugar management goals and avoid diabetes-related complications is our primary goal here at IDS.
We also bring together the top nursing, exercise physiology (Regular physical activity is a primary means to prevent ED), dietitians (You guessed it, a healthy diet and weight also reduces risk for ED), and Mental health educators (sexual health goes well beyond our bodies, stress management is another key factor to sexual health) to also help guide our patients through effective treatment options for not only their diabetes but other health challenges that may be related to their diabetes management.
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