Important to know: Does diabetes affect fertility too?

Diabetes is a chronic disease. Usually, blood glucose levels are controlled by insulin which is a hormone produced by the pancreas. When we eat food, the blood glucose level rises after which the insulin is released to decrease the glucose level. Essentially, diabetes is caused when the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin to the body or when the insulin produced isn’t being properly absorbed by the cells of the body. Either way, it elevates the blood glucose level in the body.Diabetes is a serious and chronic disease, which is prone to many side effects on the body. The condition of increasing blood sugar can increase difficulties for nerves, eyes, kidneys, digestive health. Health experts say, the condition of increasing blood sugar can affect health in many ways. In such a situation, the question arises whether diabetes can also affect fertility? Can Diabetes Cause Infertility In Men? Due to the high glucose level, there are several bodily disorders that arise which cause men to face infertility issues. The DNA of the sperm may be damaged due to the high glucose level that may lead to the natural death of the sperms, thereby making it difficult for the spouse to become pregnant. Diabetes can also lower the sexual drive in men by lowering the level of testosterone present in the body. Retrograde Ejaculation is another major effect because of diabetes. By Retrograde Ejaculation, men would not be able to perform a full-fledged ejaculation of sperms which results in the semen going back into the bladder instead of being ejaculated normally during sex. In these cases, though the sperm count may look healthy, the ejaculated sperm count is lesser and therefore this decreases the chances of pregnancy. Due to the high glucose level, the nerves and blood vessels can’t be controlled properly because of which it leads to erectile dysfunction and may further lead to impotence. Side effects have also been seen on sexual health Diabetologist Dr. Gautam Tushar explains, people who have diabetic neuropathy, the risks of sexual health have also been seen more in such people. Elevated blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage, and this type of problem also increases the risk of erectile dysfunction. Research suggests that diabetes may reduce sperm quality, but there is little evidence that it causes a decrease in sperm motility (the ability of sperm to move toward the egg). In such a situation, the risk of infertility cannot be considered due to this. Solutions For Infertility In Men Caused Due To Diabetes The foremost thing that one needs to keep in mind is to check the blood glucose levels. There are certain medications that improve the blood flow to reproductive organs and helps in strengthening the nerves that will reduce the incidents of erectile dysfunction. Also, in cases of retrograde ejaculation, there are medicines that help in tightening the bladder muscles to direct the ejaculated sperms to move forward in the right direction and prevent it from going back in. In men who are suffering from low sexual drive, selective estrogen receptor modulators can be used to increase the amount of testosterone produced in the body. Men who are obese will need to control and reduce the weight to reduce the blood glucose levels in the body. IVF or ART treatments can also be performed in case when the male is unable to recover from the fertility issues which originated due to diabetes. Dr. Deepti Varma, Nutritionist says, ” Apart from helping a person to regulate their diet, we also stress the importance on sleeping rightly. As infertility issues are largely based on hormones, sleep at 10 PM.” She also adds that smoking and drinking is a big no-no during such treatments and is one major cause of infertility in both males and females. Effect on sexual health of diabetic women Diabetes status can also increase many types of sexual health related disorders in women. Due to increase in blood sugar, the risk of urinary tract infection also increases, which if not taken care of in time, it can also affect the kidneys. Apart from this, the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), genital irritation, infection has also been seen more in diabetic women. Is It Safe To Get Pregnant When One Has Diabetes? It is advisable to first get the diabetes under control before trying to conceive else it may harm the baby. There are good chances of controlling your blood glucose level and it is better to consult a fertility specialist about the risks associated with conceiving with your current stage of diabetes. Fortunately, there is also other fertility treatments like IVF that can help you conceive in spite of the fertility issues. Though it may not be recommended to all, you can consult with the fertility specialist and check for alternate methods to get pregnant.