Diabetes Mellitus and Sexuality—Does it Really Matter?

Abstract

Introduction The extent to which diabetes may influence sexuality has not yet been established. Identifying the risk factors of female sexual dysfunctions will facilitate the introduction of effective therapeutic models that aim to normalize the glycemic control and will enhance sexual functioning. Aims To evaluate the influence of diabetes mellitus on female sexual functions, behaviors and depressive symptoms as well as to establish the predictors for female sexual dysfunctions in diabetic subjects. Main Outcome Measures To asses reported female sexual dysfunctions by using Female Sexual Function Index in diabetic females. Methods A total of 544 females living in the upper Silesia region aged 18–55 years old were eligible for this questionnaire-based, retrospective, cross-section study. The study group included females with diabetes mellitus (N=264), regardless its type and duration; healthy non-diabetic subjects were controls. The Blatt-Kuppermann Index was used to evaluate climacteric symptoms, the Back Depression Inventory—to screen for depressive symptoms and the Female Sexual Function Index—for sexual dysfunction in female (FSD). Results Multiple logistic regression revealed that the risk of desire and arousal dysfunction was lower in respondents for whom having a satisfactory sexual life was extremely important compared to those for whom it was slightly important or not important at all (referent) (OR: 0.05 and 0.01, respectively). Respondents highly satisfied with sexual contacts with their partner were at lover risk of desire, arousal, and orgasmic disorders and FSD compared to referent subjects (OR: 0.12; 0.03; 0.01 and 0.03 respectively). Depressive symptoms were associated with higher prevalence of arousal disorders and FSD (OR: 13.6 and 3.57, respectively), diabetes—orgasmic dysfunctions (OR=10.1). Conclusions In women, the presence of diabetes is an independent predictor of orgasmic dysfunctions. However, the presence of depressive symptoms, individual perception of sexual needs and partner-related factors are stronger predictors of female sexual dysfunctions.

The Impact of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components on Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Narrative Mini-Review

“…Only 9 studies looked specifically at MS [2,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32]. The remaining included data about components of MS [2,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50,51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58]. …”

“…Total 35 studies met the inclusion criteria (Table 1, 2) [2,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50,51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58]. Sixteen studies were classified as case-control studies [2,28,29,32,37,38,39,41,42,44,47,49,51,52,54,57] and the rest as observational/cross-sectional studies.…”

Sexual dysfunction in diabetic women

“…42,49,50 in several ethnic groups (US, Italian, Polish, Turkish, Iranian, Jordanian, Nigerian, Peruvian populations) have reported a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. [40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53] These data are important since various cultures, religions, lifestyle habits and sexual behaviours are considered. Although the prevalence varies (Table 1) 40,42-53 depending on the criteria used to define sexual dysfunction in each study, it appears that sexual dysfunction is slightly lower in women compared to men, 13,54,55 it is twice that of the population without diabetes, 13,40,45,48,56 and it includes all the domains of sexual dysfunction.…”

“…[43][44][45]47,51,52 The incidence of arousal problems in women with diabetes is also variable, depending on the type of diabetes and the definition of arousal, and varies from 14 to 76% to no effect at all. [42][43][44][45][46][47]49,51,52 Regarding orgasm, most studies have indicated problems in women with diabetes ranging from 10-84%, [43][44][45][46]49 with a few studies showing no effect. 56 Finally, the risk of dyspareunia in women with diabetes varies from zero to 43%, with the higher prevalence being observed in type 2 diabetes.…”

The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Sexual Function in Patients with Type II Diabetes

“…24 According to the results of this study, female patients with type II diabetes had low levels of sexual function that was consistent with results of other studies done by Basok 25 and Nowosieslski. 26 Diabetes adversely affects women's sexual activities by causing neurological, hormonal and psycho-social disorders. Diabetes changes levels of androgen, estrogen and sex hormone-binding globulin and adversely affects women's sexual functioning.…”