RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT:

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue for men with diabetes, but many don't talk about it.

In this study, researchers looked at 138 men with diabetes to understand how common ED is and what factors are linked to it.

Key Findings

• How Common is ED?: 67.4% of diabetic men had ED, with 42.4% experiencing severe ED. The older the men, the more likely they were to have severe ED.

• Blood Sugar Levels: Men with poor blood sugar control were more likely to have severe ED.

• Cholesterol Levels: Men with severe ED had higher levels of triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL.

• BMI/Weight: Heavier men were more likely to have severe ED.

• Depression: ED patients had significantly higher levels of depression.

• Quality of Life: ED patients reported poorer overall quality of life, except in financial concerns and symptom bothersomeness.

ED is highly common in diabetic men, especially those with poor blood sugar control and advanced age. If you have ED or have a family history of ED do your best to keep your sugars as low as possible and maintain a healthy diet with unprocessed foods and low in simple carbohydrates and sugar. Future you (and your future erections) will thank you!

Q&A WITH DR. MALIK:

A Question from a subscriber: “I normally have no issues with ED until I have to use a condom. I’m not one of these guys that hate them, I don’t love them either. Resently my wife decided to go off hormonal birth control and so we thought condoms would be okay. When we start, I’m ready and willing. When I go to start the condom, it’s gone! We keep going and I pull out. How can I get over my condom issue. We have to use them.”

Answer:

This is way more common than you know - 7-12% of men have this issue and up to 37% of college-aged men! You can learn this more about condom-associated erection loss in one of my videos here. In fact, quite a few men face similar challenges. This happens for a variety of reasons.For one, the process of putting on a condom can sometimes create anxiety or interrupt the sexual flow, which can affect your ability to maintain an erection. Another possibility is that the fit or feel of the condom might be causing discomfort or reducing sensation.

Here are some strategies you can try:

1. Practice Makes Perfect: Start by practicing putting a condom on when you're self-stimulating. This can help you get comfortable with the process and reduce any anxiety associated with it during actual sex.

2. Take Your Time: Instead of rushing to put the condom on, incorporate it as part of foreplay. Ask your partner to help put it on; this can make the experience more erotic and less of a task.

3. Use Lubricants: Condoms can sometimes feel dry and uncomfortable. Using water-based or silicone-based lubricants can help. Just make sure to avoid oil-based lubricants as they can degrade the condom.

4. Right Fit is Key: Ensure that you're using the right size condom. A poor fit can lead to discomfort and reduced sensation. There are various sizes and even custom-fit options available which might be worth exploring.

5. Adequate Stimulation: Make sure you're adequately stimulated before putting the condom on. Men who experience condom-associated erection loss often need more arousal, so take the time you need.

6. Stress and Anxiety: Understand that anxiety and stress can play a huge role. Trying to stay relaxed and not overly focused on the performance aspects can make a big difference.

If these steps don't seem to help, it might be good to consult a healthcare provider who can offer more personalized advice and rule out any underlying issues.

Every week, Dr. Malik will answer a question from one of our subscribers. If you have a question you'd like Dr. Malik to answer, submit it here for a chance to be featured!

WHAT’S NEW WITH DR. MALIK?:

Last week I told you all I've been working on increasing my steps well I'm proud to announce I've been getting on average 10,000 steps a day! Now of course I was on vacation which made it easy to get walks in so hopefully I can keep it up. But I did buy something to help increase caloric expenditure and more importantly increase bone density: a weighted vest! Start with a vest with 10% of your body weight and go from there!

Also, one of my favorite interviews with the amazing Mel Robbins is now live!

Check out the full episode and discover tips for better sex and learn how often you should be having it, based on research. We also answer all your uncomfortable sex questions.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CHANNEL:

You Won’t Believe What Happens to Your Testosterone After an Ice Bath!

In our latest video, I share insightful information about cold water immersion and the hormonal changes it induces, particularly focusing on testosterone levels. We delve into:

The Cold Shock Response:

• Understand how immersing yourself in cold water triggers your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

• Learn about the immediate physiological reactions, including increased alertness, heart rate, and changes in blood flow.

Scientific Studies:

• Discover findings from small-scale studies on cold water immersion and testosterone levels, including research on athletes and military personnel.

• Critical analysis of how these studies were conducted and what they can (or cannot) conclude about the impact of ice baths on your hormones.

Real-World Implications:

• Interpret the significance of short-lived changes versus long-term impacts on your testosterone levels.

• Practical tips for those who might find cold plunges stressful and how this stress could influence hormone levels.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PODCAST:

How to Get What you Want in Bed (Avoid saying this!) ft Dr. Elisabeth Gordon.

In this episode, Dr. Rena Malik and Dr. Elisabeth Gordon discuss sexual health, desire discrepancies, and the importance of communication in relationships. Dr. Gordon offers insights on personal boundaries, the concept of "good enough sex," and finding pleasure even when sex isn't perfect. They also discuss rejuvenating sexual encounters, the differences between kink and fetish, societal pressures on sexual desires, the importance of comprehensive sex education for children, and the role of sex therapy.

Watch it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and get valuable advice for improving sexual well-being and navigating intimate conversations with your partner.