Most complications related to diabetes, including erectile dysfunction, commonly known as impotence, are also among the most successfully treated conditions.

More than 60 percent of men facing this complication often achieve a 90 percent success rate with treatment. With effective options available, both men experiencing impotency and women dealing with dysfunction have avenues for help.

According to medical experts, this is not a condition that they have to endure.

Many men do not notice difficulties, particularly when they are with their sexual partners.

Achieving and maintaining an erection requires the interaction between the neurological, arterial, hormonal and psychological functions of the body, explains Dr Steve Waluande, a molecular biologist.

Proper hormonal balance, normal sex drive, emotional well being, functioning nerves and blood vessels, and healthy penile tissue are all essential for sexually activity, says Dr Waluande.

Both interest in sexual activity and the ability to perform must be present. Several different sets of nerves are involved. 

“Erection is a hydraulic phenomenon, which occurs involuntarily, nobody can force erection and anything that limits or impairs blood flow can interfere with ability to achieve an erection no matter how hard a man tries,” observes Dr Waluande.

He also notes that while sexual rigour may decline with age, a physically and emotionally healthy man can still achieve an erection and enjoy sexual relationship regardless of his age. This means that impotency is not an inevitable part of the ageing process.

At a medical workshop held recently in Dares Salaam, Tanzania, doctors agreed that psychological changes associated with fear can cause erectile dysfunction.

During the conference under the theme ‘A Patient’s Guide for Men with Impotence and Women with Dysfunction-Get Help’, participants acknowledged that it can be difficult to distinguish between physical and psychogenic impotence. However, making progress requires discussing this sensitive issue with both their partners and physician, ideally involving a urologist who specialises in male impotence.

In some cases, participants were told that re-establishing good glycemic control may decrease impotence, although permanent damage to nerves and vessels may not be reversible.

Poorly controlled diabetes and high cholesterol both increase the risk of vascular complications, particularly vessel blockage, which can lead to erectile and other circulatory problems, experts noted.

While many men grapple with these kind of challenges, there is hope for Kenyans as a number of drugs are now available to combat the condition.

These drugs are known as ovulatory stimulants. They facilitate ovulation by increasing the output of Luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland which stimulates the maturation and activity of the ovarian follicles, leading to the development and function of the corpus luteum.

There are also medications available to regulate menstruation in patients with ovulatory cycles that are associated with irregular periods. Additionally, there are treatments for men to address infertility and impotence, as discussed at the Dares Salaam workshop.

As men and women consult their doctors about managing female dysfunction and male impotence, remember to exercise regularly, eat a balanced died diet, nad consider having a glass of wine before sex. These are some of the additional recommendations from experts for maintaining sexual activity, even at an advanced age.