Main Clinic Address:
2603 Michelangelo Drive
Edinburg, Texas 78539
To schedule an appointment, call (956) 362-8767
To learn more about urology services at DHR Health, visit https://dhrhealth.com/services/urology/
Diabetes and Erectile Dysfunction: Understanding the Link
Born in South Texas, I observed a high percentage of the population struggling with diabetes—a disease that has led many men to suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). In one out of every two men with diabetes, erectile dysfunction can appear 10 to 15 years earlier compared to men without the condition. Cardiac symptoms develop in diabetic patients over a period of 2 to 3 years, potentially leading to a heart attack or death within 3 to 5 years. Oral treatments respond better in patients without diabetes.
Available treatments for erectile dysfunction include:
Lifestyle changes: Improving habits such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, and maintaining a balanced diet can have a positive impact on erectile function.
Medical devices: Penile vacuum pumps and constriction devices can be non-invasive options to help maintain an erection.
Hormonal treatments: If the dysfunction is related to low testosterone levels, a doctor might recommend hormone therapy.
Surgery or implants: In severe cases where other treatments are not effective, penile implants or surgical procedures may be options.
A man with erectile dysfunction and diabetes is 50% more likely to need secondary treatments, such as injections or prostheses, within a 2-year period. Every patient should stay well-informed about the relationship between diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and cardiovascular problems. It is important to address this issue with a healthcare professional to determine the specific cause and the most appropriate treatment. Furthermore, maintaining open communication with one's partner can be key to overcoming the emotional barriers associated with ED.
About Dr. Jennifer Espinales
A Rio Grande Valley native, Dr. Espinales brings her passion and expertise to serve her community, offering a full range of urology services for both men and women. Her services will include robotic-assisted urologic procedures, treatment for kidney stones, erectile dysfunction, testicular cancer, bladder cancer, and more.
Dr. Espinales graduated magna cum laude from the University of Texas at Brownsville, then earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. She went on to complete her urology residency at the University of Toledo Medical Center in Ohio, where she received extensive training in both general urology and surgical procedures for urological conditions. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Espinales, call the DHR Health Urology Institute at (956) 362-8767.
