Bladder and Sex Organs

One form of autonomic nerve disease is called neurogenic bladder.
After the kidneys make urine, the bladder holds it until you urinate. Nerves tell your brain when your bladder is full. Other nerves make the bladder contract so you can push urine out. Still other nerves control the muscle that opens and closes the opening to the bladder. High blood sugars can affect all of these nerves.

Problems

• A person with this nerve disease may urinate less often.
• They may pass only small amounts of urine.
• The urine stream may be weak.
• It may be hard to start or stop urinating.
• Also, the bladder may not empty each time. This makes one more prone to bladder infections.

High blood sugars can also damage the nerves that control the sex organs sexual dysfunction.

• In males, this can lead to impotence (unable to get or keep an erection).
• Females may have less vaginal moisture or fewer orgasms.

Prevention of nerve damage.
You can prevent nerve damage with good blood sugar control. To reduce the risk of nerve damage, strive to:

• Keep your hemoglobin A1c at 7% or less (a 3 month average blood sugar test)
• Control blood pressure
• Don't smoke
• Eat a healthy diet
• Exercise most days
• Avoid or limit alcohol

Questions?
If you have further questions about treatment for nerve disease of the bladder and/or sexual organs, contact your diabetes healthcare team.

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