Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that affects millions of people across the globe. Many people are aware of the connection between blood sugar control and risks to the kidneys, the heart, and the eyes, but fewer are aware of the impact it has on male reproductive health. Men, for instance, suffer from one of the less obvious but traumatic effects of diabetes, which is long-term infertility. The main reason for this is the constantly high blood sugar levels. These cause damage to blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, including those responsible for reproduction and sexual function. It can result in Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and reduced quality and quantity of sperm. Additionally, male infertility due to diabetes can cause significant psychological stress, which can impact levels of happiness and negatively impact relationships. In this article, we will discuss how does diabetes cause infertility in men and the possible treatment options.
High Blood Sugar and Male Infertility
The persistently high levels of blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, can contribute to the development of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These cause DNA damage, affect sperm motility, and raise oxidative stress in the testes.
Diabetes impacts on male fertility
- Oxidative stress: It damages sperm membranes and DNA, impacting fertility.
- Hormonal disruption lowers testosterone levels and can affect the production of sperm.
- Testicular dysfunction: Changes the environment required to promote the healthy development of sperm.
- Damage to nerves and blood vessels: This causes Erectile dysfunction and low Ejaculatory Function.
Based on a 2023 study published by Molecular Medicine, oxidative stress and hormonal imbalance are two major ways diabetes contributes to male infertility. It also impairs the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, disrupting hormone regulation necessary for healthy sperm development.
Types of Diabetes
There are two main types, each with distinct causes and treatment approaches. Understanding these types helps clarify how the disease impacts fertility and what can be done to manage or prevent it.
- Type 1 Diabetes: It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. It usually develops in children or in young adults.
- Type 2 Diabetes: This is a more common type of diabetes, which is caused by insulin resistance or inadequate insulin production. It is often related to lifestyle and typically develops in adults.
Can Diabetes Affect Male Fertility?
Yes, diabetes can significantly impact male fertility, affecting various biological systems that are essential for healthy reproductive function. Uncontrolled high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) leads to chronic damage in the form of oxidative stress, vascular problems, nerve dysfunction, and hormonal imbalance. Over time, this can alter sperm production, morphology, and movement—making it more difficult to conceive naturally. According to a comprehensive review published in Molecular Medicine, diabetes is closely associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause damage to sperm membranes and DNA, ultimately reducing their fertilizing capacity. Another study from NIH/PMC confirms that diabetic men often show reduced semen volume, motility, and testosterone levels, along with a higher proportion of sperm DNA fragmentation.
Major fertility-related complications caused by diabetes include:
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common sexual health issues in men with diabetes. It is primarily caused by neuropathy (nerve damage) and vascular damage to the blood vessels that supply the penis. This condition makes it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection, thereby impairing sexual performance and fertility.
- Studies show that up to 75% of men with diabetes experience ED to varying degrees, especially those with type 2 diabetes.
- The risk of ED is two to three times higher in diabetic men compared to non-diabetic men, and it often develops 10 to 15 years earlier in diabetic individuals.
Retrograde Ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculation is a condition where semen enters the bladder instead of being expelled out through the urethra during orgasm. Diabetes can damage the nerves that control the bladder neck muscle, which usually closes to prevent semen from flowing backward.
- It is estimated that up to 20% of diabetic men may experience retrograde ejaculation, particularly those with long-term diabetes and poorly managed blood glucose levels.
- This condition can significantly reduce fertility since little to no semen is ejaculated during intercourse.
Low Sperm Count & Quality
Diabetes affects the quantity and quality of sperm through various mechanisms. One of the main culprits is oxidative stress, which damages the sperm’s DNA and membranes. Additionally, inflammation and altered testicular function disrupt normal spermatogenesis.
- A 2023 study in Molecular Medicine noted that diabetic men had significantly lower sperm counts, reduced motility, and increased rates of sperm with DNA fragmentation.
- Sperm motility—the ability to swim toward the egg—is often reduced by 30–50% in men with diabetes compared to healthy controls.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones like testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are vital for sperm production and overall male fertility. Diabetes interferes with the normal regulation of these hormones through both direct and indirect mechanisms.
- Research has shown that men with type 2 diabetes frequently have hypogonadism, a condition marked by low testosterone levels.
- According to the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, up to 43% of diabetic men show clinical signs of testosterone deficiency, which negatively impacts libido, energy levels, and sperm production.
Diabetes doesn’t just target one part of the reproductive system—it creates a cascade of dysfunctions that collectively reduce male fertility. The sooner men are diagnosed and treated, the better their chances of restoring normal reproductive function.
Diabetes and Other Areas of Men’s Health That Indirectly Affect Fertility
Beyond direct reproductive damage, diabetes can cause or worsen other health problems that indirectly reduce male fertility. These include obesity, sleep disorders, mental health conditions, and cardiovascular diseases—all of which influence hormone levels and sexual function. Additional health issues caused or worsened by diabetes that affect fertility:
- Obesity: Impacts testosterone levels and sperm health.
- Depression and stress: Reduce libido and can lead to erectile problems.
- Sleep apnea: Disrupts hormone cycles, especially testosterone.
- Heart disease: Poor circulation and cardiovascular issues affect sexual performance and stamina.
Treatment of Diabetes-Induced Male Infertility
While diabetes can negatively impact male fertility, the condition is manageable, and many men can regain reproductive function with the right interventions. Treatment typically includes medical therapy, lifestyle changes, and reproductive assistance. Effective treatment options include:
- Blood Sugar Management: Insulin, oral medications, and dietary changes help stabilize glucose levels.
- Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, exercise, and quitting smoking improve hormone levels and sperm quality.
- ED Medications: Drugs like Viagra help restore erectile function.
- Retrograde Ejaculation Management: Medication and sperm retrieval techniques are used.
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): IVF and ICSI are effective solutions for couples struggling with conception due to male infertility.
Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Mazen About Diabetes & Fertility
If diabetes is affecting your ability to conceive, seeking help from a fertility expert is the first step toward a solution. At Dr. Mazen IVF Clinic in Dubai, our compassionate team provides personalized fertility evaluations and treatments designed to overcome diabetes-related infertility challenges.
Why choose Dr. Mazen’s IVF Clinic in Dubai:
- Experienced fertility doctors in Dubai with expertise in male infertility.
- Advanced diagnostics to assess sperm quality, hormone levels, and more.
- Tailored treatment plans using lifestyle coaching, medication, or ART.
- State-of-the-art facilities and high success rates with IVF and ICSI.
Conclusion:
Diabetes, especially when left unmanaged, can significantly impair male fertility through multiple pathways—sperm damage, erectile dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances. However, many men can overcome these challenges with early diagnosis, proper medical care, and lifestyle changes. For couples trying to conceive, knowledge is power. Understanding how diabetes affects male fertility—and taking proactive steps to manage it—can pave the way toward successful parenthood. With expert support from an IVF center in Dubai like Dr. Mazen’s, even those facing diabetes-induced infertility have strong hope for the future.
FAQs:
Q1: Can diabetes cause infertility in males?
Ans: Yes, diabetes can reduce sperm quality, lower testosterone, and cause erectile or ejaculatory problems, all of which contribute to infertility.
Q2: Can I get pregnant if my husband is diabetic?
Ans: Yes. With medical guidance and possibly assisted reproductive techniques like IVF, many diabetic men successfully father children.
Q3: Does diabetes affect male sperm?
Ans: Absolutely. Diabetes leads to oxidative stress that damages sperm DNA, reduces motility, and decreases count.
Q4: Can men with diabetes have children?
Ans: Yes. With effective treatment and support from fertility specialists, diabetic men can become fathers.
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4814953/
https://molmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s10020-023-00771-x
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20374773
https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-abstract/93/5/1834/2598879?redirectedFrom=fulltext