Sexual responsiveness in diabetic women

Abstract

Summary. Sexual responsiveness in 82 Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic women was compared with that of 47 normal control subjects, using an interview method for rating various aspects of sexual response, and attitude questionnaires. The diabetic women were questioned about symptoms of autonomic neuropathy, and cardiovascular autonomic nerve function tests were performed. There were differences between the two groups in the reports of vaginal lubrication, but in most other respects the groups were similar. The diabetic women were not less orgasmic, and reported significantly fewer unpleasant feelings during sexual intercourse. They saw themselves and their husbands as less 'potent' than did the normal subjects. The possible enhancing effect of diabetes on the marriage of some diabetic women possibly counteracted the relatively mild physiological deficits involved. There was very little difference in sexual response between women with and without symptomatic autonomic neuropathy.Key words: Type 1 diabetes, sexual function, women, autonomic neuropathy.The association between diabetes and impotence in men is now well documented [1], The reported prevalence varies between 27% and 59%, increases with age and duration of diabetes and is related to the presence of autonomic neuropathy and retinopathy [1,2]. Many diabetic men have difficulty with erection, but they do not lose the capacity for orgasm and any loss of interest in sex is more likely to be a psychological reaction to their impotence [3].By contrast, the sexual responses of diabetic women have received scant attention. This may be part of a more general tendency to ignore the sexual implications of physical illness in women [2]. The few studies published of female diabetic sexual response have come to different conclusions; only two involved control groups. Kolodny [4] reported a reduction in orgasm in diabetic women compared with control subjects whereas Jensen [5] found only minor differences. Other evidence from uncontrolled studies has been reported both for [6,7] and against [8] an increased incidence of sexual problems in diabetic women. Ellenberg [8] found no difference in incidence of sexual problems between women with and without clinical evidence of autonomic neuropathy, but none of these studies has involved formal autonomic nerve function tests.We report a detailed investigation of sexual and autonomic nerve function in a group of insulin-dependent diabetic women with varying duration of diabetes and a comparison of their sexual function with that of a group of 'normal' control subjects. Subjects and Methods SubjectsOne hundred and four Type 1 female diabetic patients (aged 18 to 45 years) who were regular attenders at the Diabetic Department of the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, were invited to take part in the study. They were all married or co-habiting for at least 1 year and living with their partners. Initially all patients fulfulling these criteria were considered for the study, but as the interviews were difficult to arrange when patients l...

Sexual Dysfunction in Women With Type 1 Diabetes

“…In the present study, decreased sexual desire was reported by 17% of the women with diabetes and 9% of the control women. These numbers are concordant with previous studies with prevalence rates varying between 11 and 45% in diabetic women and between 10 and 31% in control subjects (21,22,26,27). Reduced vaginal lubrication was reported by 14% of women with diabetes and 6% of the control women in our study.…”

“…Reduced vaginal lubrication was reported by 14% of women with diabetes and 6% of the control women in our study. Prevalence rates found in the literature vary between 10 and 34% of the women with diabetes and between 5 and 24% of the control women (21,22,26,27). Only Tyrer's and our study showed a significant difference between diabetic and control women.…”

Quality of life in diabetic patients registered with primary health care services in Sweden

“…Our general conclusion is that the noted differences were small and unlikely to have had an important impact on the total HRQOL results. Diabetes is accompanied by complications of different kinds, not only through the traditional diabetic and atheromatous complications, but also through impact on the musculoskeletal system, sexual function, and emotional life (17)(18)(19)(20)(21). Our findings, which showed a major impact on all physical and emotional HRQOL scales in the diabetic patients, are thus logical.…”

Protection of Testicular Dysfunctions by MTEC, a Formulated Herbal Drug, in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rat

“…In case of female, diabetic symptoms consistent with autonomic neuropathy associated with decreased subjective sexual arousal. 3) In recent study Erol et al noted that women with type 2 diabetes experienced higher prevalence rates of sexual dysfunction when compared to non diabetic. 4) Approximately 80% of diabetic patients complained loss of libido, 60% had diminished clitoral sensitivity, 50% experienced organic dysfunction, 40% experienced vaginal discomfort, and 40% experienced vaginal dryness.…”