Living with type 2 diabetes can affect many areas of your life – including your sexual health.
Changes in blood sugar levels, circulation, and nerve function can lead to problems like low libido, erectile dysfunction, or fertility issues. This guide explains how diabetes may impact sexual wellbeing and what support is available.
How does diabetes affect sexual health?
Diabetes can cause physical, hormonal, and emotional changes that may impact your sex life:
- Nerve damage (Neuropathy)
- High blood sugar can damage nerves over time.
- This may affect sensation and arousal in both men and women.
- Poor blood flow
- Diabetes can narrow or harden blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the genitals.
- This can make erections or lubrication more difficult.
- Hormonal changes
- Insulin resistance and blood sugar changes can affect testosterone levels in men and oestrogen balance in women.
- This can reduce libido and affect sexual function.
- Emotional health
- Living with diabetes can lead to stress, anxiety or depression, which also affect sexual desire and performance.
Common issues and what you can do
Low libido (Sex drive)
- May be linked to stress, tiredness, hormonal changes or relationship worries.
- Managing blood sugar, reducing stress, staying active, and speaking openly with your partner can help.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Very common in men with diabetes, especially over 40.
- Can be caused by poor blood flow, nerve damage, or medication side effects.
Treatments include:
- Lifestyle changes (quitting smoking, weight loss, regular activity)
- Medicines like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) – safe for most people with diabetes
- Psychological support if anxiety or depression is involved
Erectile dysfunction can often be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease, so it’s important to consult with your doctor early.
Fertility and menstrual changes
- High blood sugar can affect sperm quality in men and ovulation in women.
- Women may notice irregular or heavier periods.
- Good diabetes control can improve chances of conception and support a healthy pregnancy.
Changes in your menstrual cycle can have other underlying causes, so it’s important to consult with your trusted healthcare professional for assessment and support.
Vaginal dryness or discomfort
- Can be caused by nerve damage or hormonal shifts.
- Vaginal moisturisers or lubricants can help.
- Speak to your GP or practice nurse about further options.
How to improve sexual health with diabetes
- Keep blood sugar within target range – this protects nerves and blood vessels.
- Be active – exercise supports circulation and hormone balance. Read our article here for more ideas on how to move your body more throughout the day.
- Eat well – a balanced diet supports heart, hormone, and sexual health. Why not explore our nutrition tips for diabetes?
- Stop smoking – improves circulation and reduces risk of ED. Read about the life-changing benefits of quitting smoking.
- Limit alcohol – drinking too much can lower libido and worsen ED. If you feel you need to cut down, our tips for managing alcohol intake may help.
- Talk about it – with your partner or healthcare team.
When to get help
Speak to your GP, diabetes nurse or pharmacist if:
- You notice changes in your sexual health or relationships
- You have concerns about fertility
- You have painful or uncomfortable sex
- You want to explore treatment options
- You have issues with erectile dysfunction
- You notice a change in your menstrual cycle
These are common problems and support is available. You don’t have to manage them alone.
Support from the NHS and Diabetes UK
- Your GP can offer checks, blood tests, and prescribe treatment.
- You may be referred to a sexual health clinic, urologist, gynaecologist, or counsellor.
- Diabetes UK offers patient information on relationships, fertility, and sexual function.
Key takeaways
- Diabetes can affect sexual desire, function, and fertility in both men and women.
- Nerve damage, poor circulation, and emotional health all play a role.
- Support is available – from your GP, diabetes team, and specialist services.
You are not alone. Talking about your concerns and taking care of your health can make a big difference in your sexual wellbeing and confidence.
Take control of your sexual health
Managing your sexual health with diabetes is an important part of your overall wellbeing.
If you haven’t already, download the Evergreen Life app today to monitor your blood sugar, track your health progress, and stay on top of your diabetes care.
Access your GP medical records by linking to your GP, explore resources, and keep everything in one place – making it easier to manage your diabetes and sexual health.
- Diabetes UK. Planning for a pregnancy when you have diabetes. Diabetes UK.
Explains how diabetes can affect fertility, conception, and pregnancy for both men and women. - Diabetes UK (2025) Sex and diabetes. Diabetes UK.
Offers guidance on how diabetes affects libido, emotional wellbeing, and sexual relationships, along with practical tips. - NHS (2023) Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS.
Includes causes, treatments, and links to medication options that are safe for men with diabetes. - NICE (2015; last updated 2022) Type 2 diabetes in adults: Management (NG28). NICE.
Clinical guideline including recommendations for managing erectile dysfunction, psychological health, and complications related to diabetes.
