Viagra and watermelon in the same sentence? Could it be that this lovely fruit, a staple of barbeques and picnics, has suddenly taken center stage in the world of romance?

According to researchers at the Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center at Texas A&M University, College Station, the amino acid citrulline, which is found in both the rind and the fruit of watermelon, can relax and dilate blood vessels in a way that is similar to Viagra.

In other words, your backyard garden may be filled with ripened erectile dysfunction medication!

ED a Common Secondary Complication of Diabetes

As the co-author of Sex and Diabetes – For Him and For Her (ADA), I am always searching for new advice to give people who develop diabetes-related sexual complications.

Diabetes can affect blood circulation and damage nerves, which can affect a person’s sexual performance..

When the circulation is not at its best, it is difficult for the body to send blood to the pelvic area, something that is necessary in order to fully enjoy intimate activity.

If the nerves have become damaged from being exposed to high levels of glucose for a lengthy period of time, the brain may not be able to send the sexual messages it wishes to communicate.

So Should You Eat Watermelon to Help Your ED?

I do not recommend watermelon for men with diabetes as this fruit has a high glycemic value, which means that eating a generous amount can cause your blood glucose level to spike.

However, I am pleased that research continues to look for other ways to enhance sexual relationships for those with diabetes.

If Not Watermelon, Then What?

Here are a few things men with erectile dysfunction and diabetes can do to improve their sexual health that doesn’t include eating lots of watermelon:

1. Maintain your blood glucose level within a healthy range

   This can help reduce your risk of blood vessel and nerve damage.

2. Limit your alcohol intake

   Alcohol can increase your desire, but may hinder your performance.

3. Ask your doctor to check your testosterone level

   13.8 million men over the age of 45 have this problem, which can affect sexual performance. “Low-T” is easily diagnosed with a simple blood test and can be treated with a topical gel, patch, injection or oral tablet that you place inside of your cheek.

4. Try the oral medications that are currently on the market

   Viagra, Levitra and Cialis. They do not work for all men, but they may work for you, so they are worth a try.

5. Pick up a sexual device such as a vacuum pump which, when used correctly, works extremely well for most men

   Constriction rings can be used to hold the blood in the penis if a man can get an erection but has difficulty maintaining it.

6. Focus on your relationship

   Your emotions can affect your physical performance. If you are angry or feel uncomfortable with your partner, you may experience problems in the bedroom.

Watermelon may not be the answer, but I do hope that we all keep looking for more ways to enhance the physical relationships in our lives.

Reference:

Rice D, Roszler J, Farrell, JA (2009). Diabetes and Sexual Health. In Weinger. K & Carver C (Eds.), Educating Your Patient with Diabetes (pp 213-234). New York: Humana Press