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Is Sexual Dysfunction Associated with Diabetes Control and Related Factors in Women with Diabetes?
Abstract and Figures
This study was performed to evaluate the sexual dysfunction (SD) in women with diabetes and to correlate SD with the factors
related to diabetes and its control. The study was conducted in 310 non-pregnant women with diabetes, 19years and over. Socio-demographic
characteristics and other factors related to diabetes were evaluated using Participant Information Form. The Arizona Sexual
Experience Scale was used to evaluate sexual function. Rate of SD was found as 46.7%. SD was frequent in sexual desire(36.8%),
satisfaction from orgasm(25.5%) and orgasm(24.8%). Type of diabetes and treatment, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, BMI
were not associated with SD (P>0.05). SD increased with age, HbA1c, high number of diabetic complications and poor education (P<0.05). An one unit increase in HbA1c value caused 19.1% of dysfunction increase on sexual dysfunction, 23.2% on drive, 20.7% on satisfaction from orgasm and 17.5%
on orgasm(P<0.05). Increasing HbA1c, number of diabetic complications and low literacy should be considered as risk factors of SD and evaluated in routine clinical
care of women with diabetes.
KeywordsDiabetes–Sexual–Dysfunction–Women–ASEX–Turkey
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... Although various studies have reported high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes compared with non-diabetic women [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31], the sexual problems of diabetic women and its related risk factors are not well defined and highlighted. There are also fewer studies on diabetic women than diabetic men [32][33][34][35][36][37]. In a study conducted in Iran, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was reported to be 88% in women with type 2 diabetes [22], which can significantly affect their interest, satisfaction, and ability to participate in sexual activity. ...
... In a study conducted in Iran, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was reported to be 88% in women with type 2 diabetes [22], which can significantly affect their interest, satisfaction, and ability to participate in sexual activity. Such conditions can be due to vascular, neurological, and psychological problems caused by diabetes or the result of negative effects of the drugs used in these patients [32][33][34][35][36][37][38]. On the one hand, the sexual health of diabetic patients, as a component of care, has often been neglected, perhaps because it has been considered by many individuals as a taboo and has thus been neglected [39]. ...
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide, and one of the long-term complications of this disease is sexual dysfunction in women with type 2 diabetes, which has been studied in fewer studies. The aim of this study is to determine the overall prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with type 2 diabetes and its indicators with systematic and meta-analysis approach. The present meta-analysis study reviewed articles published foreign journals by searching the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Science direct, Embase, Proquest and Persian databases, including Iranmedex, Magiran, and SID between January 2000 to December 2018. The heterogeneity of studies was studied using the I2 index and data analysis was carried out in Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. The Meta-analysis review of 25 studies and 3892 individuals aged 70-18 years showed that the overall prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with type 2 diabetes was 68.6% (95% CI 61.1-75.3%). The highest and lowest prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 94.4% in Iranian women with type 2 diabetes (95% CI 91.9%-96.3%) in 2014 and 17% in Italian women with diabetes Type 2 (95% CI 6.4-36.9%) in 2015. Results of meta-regression showed that with the increase in sample size and year of study, the overall prevalence of sexual dysfunction decreased and increased, respectively and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Regarding the high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with type 2 diabetes, health policymakers need to take appropriate measures to address this disorder in patients with type 2 diabetes.
... Health promotion program is the activities or strategies that are directed toward raising the general level of health and well-being of an individual. Activities include lifestyle modification: diet, exercise, weight control, sleep, stress management and other primary prevention strategies as smoking cessation and drug use (6)..Individual health education is considered to be essential in the overall care of patients with DM2, The PRECEDE (Predisposing, Reinforcing, Enabling, Causes in Educational Diagnosis, and Evaluation) model developed by (7) is one of the different educational models that focus on factors influencing health-related behavior, based on the relationship between the health professional and the patient, it is particularly appropriate for application in chronic diseases. ...
... Table (6) indicates that the highly statistically significant independent predictor of women' FSF score were age, educational level, occupation, residence, duration of diabetes, glucose control and absent of diabetic ...
A quasi-experimental study aimed to study the effect of an educational program based on the PRECEDE model on improving sexual function among diabetic women. Study was conducted at diabetic outpatient clinic at Ain shams university hospital. A convenience sampling technique was used to recruit one hundred seventy six (176) women with type II diabetes those were randomly divided into two equal groups. Data collected through three tools: 1 st tool PRECEDE model questionnaire, 2 nd tool Female Sexual Function Index and 3 rd tool ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale. Results: the study showed no statistical significant difference between control and intervention group regarding marital satisfaction and total score of female sexual function at base line assessment (p=0.317, p=0.945 respectively). While, there was highly statistical significant difference between control and intervention group regarding marital satisfaction and total score of female sexual function after intervention (p=0.001, p=0.001 respectively). Conclusion: The findings confirm the effectiveness of an educational program based on the PRECEDE model on improving sexual function among diabetic women. Recommendations: in the light of the previous results of the study the researchers recommended the following: application of educational program based on PRECEDE model for diabetic women in all available diabetic clinic or center to improve women's sexual function.
... Satisfaction of sexual needs affects an individual's well-being to a great extent, and is also connected with fulfillment of the basic developmental tasks of adulthood. Problems concerning the fulfillment of sexual needs become apparent in individuals with chronic diseases, including diabetes type 2. Problems involving the sexual sphere in individuals with type 2 diabetes, both women and men, might affect all the phases of sexual reaction: from difficulties with a lack of or decrease in sexual desire to problems with achieving orgasm [1][2][3][4][5][6]. ...
... In addition, the difficulties include problems with ejaculation and achieving orgasm as well as a decrease in sexual desire [2]. In women with type 2 diabetes, the frequency of sexual disorders is estimated to be at the level of 14-51% [3,4]. These problems may include a lack of sexual desire, pain during intercourse caused by insufficient vaginal lubrication, decreased sensitivity of genital organs, and problems with achieving orgasm [5,6]. ...
Sexual satisfaction and satisfaction with a relationship are important health indicators with regard to a person’s well-being and quality of life. These issues become particularly significant in the case of people suffering from chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. The aim of this research was to establish the relations between sexual satisfaction, satisfaction with a relationship, and life satisfaction both generally and in more detailed domains in individuals with type 2 diabetes, compared to individuals without this disease. The research also included testing the mediation role of satisfaction with a relationship in the relation between sexual satisfaction and quality of life. The statistical analysis involved data obtained from a group of 151 subjects including 77 with type 2 diabetes. Methods with recognized psychometric properties were used in the research. The results showed that individuals with diabetes are generally less satisfied with their previous and current life, and they are less satisfied with sexuality and passion, when contrasted with individuals not suffering from the disease. In the group of individuals with diabetes, commitment within a relationship mediated the relations between emotional satisfaction and the sense of control and overall satisfaction with current life, including within the psychological, social, and environmental domains. Relationship commitment also mediated the relations between satisfaction with the physical area and satisfaction with the psychological and social domains.
... Depression is one of the miscellaneous complications of diabetes and it has been estimated that women with diabetes are at a higher risk for depressive symptoms (9,10). On the other hand, sexual dysfunction (SD) prevalence in T2DM women is high (11). Important factors including cardiovascular, reproductive hormones, and neurons influence sexual health (12). ...
Objective: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common metabolic diseases among women. Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a complication in patients with T2DM that has received less attention among women than men. This study aimed to assess the factors related to female SD in T2DM patients. Materials and Methods: 120 women with T2DM who referred to the Yazd Diabetes Center in 2019-2020 were selected. Female sexual function index (FSFI) as a valid questionnaire was used. Neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes medication, Hb1Ac, age, and duration of diabetes as factors related to SD were assessed. The T-test and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data by SPSS 22 software. Results: The mean age of participants was 48.40 (±7.35). The SD was impaired in 85.8% of subjects and none of the participants showed a level of good function in any of the sexual domains. There was a significant relationship between SD and neuropathy (P= 0.005), hyperlipidemia (P= 0.007), hypertension (P= 0.015), diabetes medication (P= 0.005), age (P= 0.0001), and duration of diabetes (P= 0.0001). There was no significant relationship between SD and retinopathy (P= 0.565), nephropathy (P= 0.288), and Hb1Ac (P= 0.92). Conclusion: The frequency of SD in females with T2DM remarkably was high and the factors including age, duration of diabetes, diabetes medication, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and neuropathy were identified as factors related to SD.
... Although there are a limited number of studies conducted with women with SF, the rate of detected SD is quite high in Turkey (3,5,8,(13)(14)(15)(16)(17). Yenice et al. (2020) found their study that 46.7% of women with DM had SD (5). ...
Giriş: Diabetes mellitus kadınlarda cinsel fonksiyon bozukluğuna neden olan kronik bir hastalıktır. Amaç: Bu tanımlayıcı çalışmanın amacı diyabetli kadınlarda cinsel fonksiyon bozukluğu sıklığının ve etkileyen faktörlerin belirlenmesidir. Yöntem: Araştırmanın örneklemini 18-55 yaş arası 255 kadın oluşturmuştur. Araştırmaya klimakterik dönemde olmayan, cinsel yönden aktif ve üreme sistemi cerrahisi geçirmemiş kadınlar dahil edildi. Araştrmanın verileri veri toplama formu ve Kadın Cinsel İşlev Ölçeği kullanılarak toplandı. Bulgular: Diyabetli kadınların cinsel fonksiyon bozukluğu sıklığı % 69,0 olarak bulunmuştur. Diyabetli kadınlarda başka sağlık sorunlarına sahip olmanın cinsel fonksiyon bozukluğu riskini 2,47 kat arttırdığı (95% CI=1.087–5.609, p=0,031) belirlenmiştir. Kadınların diyabet süresinin artması durumunda cinsel uyarılma bozukluğu riski 1,19 kat artmaktadır (95% CI=1.073–1.339, p=0,001). Diyabetli kadınlarda evlilik yılının artması durumunda da orgazm bozukluğu riski 0,95 kat artmaktadır (95% CI=0.909–0.993, p=0,024). Ancak, kadınların yaş, evlilik süresi, diyabet süresi ve HbA1c değerleri ile cinsel istek, kayganlaşma, cinsel memnuniyet ve cinsel ağrı alt boyutları arasında anlamlı bir ilişki bulunamamıştır (p>0,05). Sonuç: Kadınların çoğunda cinsel fonksiyon bozukluğu olduğu belirlendi. Kadınların çoğu cinsel istek, uyarılma ve ağrı bozukluğu yaşadığı belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, diabetes mellitus süresi arttıkça uyarılma bozukluğu riski, artan evlilik süresi ile orgazm bozukluğu riski de artmaktadır. Kadınların diabetes mellitus dışında bir sağlık sorununun olması cinsel işlev bozukluğu riskini artırdığı tespit edilmiştir.
... 9.2 million people in Iran are predicted to have diabetes by 2030 [2]. Diabetes is known as a significant risk factor of sexual problems [3], but it has been ignored in women due to the complexity of diabetes effects on the female sexual responses [4]. The prevalence of sexual dysfunctions in women with diabetes has been reported as being 17-94.4% in different studies [5]. ...
Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent chronic worldwide disease, and sexual dysfunction is a common complication of this disease. Diabetes and its disabling complications often threaten sexual life. Despite the critical role of the psychosocial and cultural issues in the quality of sexual life in women with diabetes, these aspects have not yet been adequately addressed. This study aimed to explore the psychosocial and cultural aspects of the sexual life quality of women with diabetes in reproductive ages. Purposeful sampling was performed in two diabetes clinics and three physicians' offices in Tehran. After 29 In-depth interviews (25 women with diabetes and four key informants), data saturation was achieved. The qualitative content analysis method by Granheim and Lundman was used for data analysis, and consequently, two themes emerged. The first theme, "The dominant role of sociocultural context," consisted of two categories: "The influence of diabetes stigma on sexual identity" and "preferred silence." The second theme was "The burden of psychological distress on sexual life," which included three categories: "diabetes distress," "distress regarding social and health services unmet needs," and "stress management ability." Preferred silence to sexual problems was identified as the dominant sexual coping strategy of Iranian women with diabetes. This identification is an achievement of this study regarding the first theme. Thus, screening the quality of sexual life in women with diabetes is suggested. According to the second theme, psychological, sexual, and family planning health care integrated with medical diabetes care in diabetes clinics is recommended.
... Ozcan et al. conducted a study on 310 women with diabetes in Turkey. The frequency of sexual dysfunction in women with type 2 DM was found to be 46.7% in their study [24]. Esposito et al. studied 595 women with type 2 diabetes in Italy and reported the sexual dysfunction prevalence was 53.4% in women patients with diabetes [25]. ...
Beta thalassemia minor (BTM) is a hereditary disease caused by defective globin synthesis and it is frequently asymptomatic or only mildly anemic. Female sexual dysfunction affects 21–41% of women worldwide. In this study we aimed to investigate female sexual dysfunction in subjects with BTM. A total of 183 subjects who had regular sexual intercourse with marital partners were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The study group was comprised of 87 subjects with BTM and the control group included 96 healthy subjects. Hemoglobin electrophoresis were performed in all subjects, and all participants were assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). The FSFI scores of the study group were significantly lower than in the control group (19.1 ± 9.6 vs. 25.2 ± 6.6, p < 0.001). Conversely, the ASEX scores of the study group were higher than in the control group (15.2 ± 41 vs. 13.5 ± 6.1, p = 0.0085). Sexual functions were poor in subjects with BTM in this study and we conclude that certain metabolic diseases associated with BTM, such as insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, may be the main causes of sexual dysfunctions in these subjects.
... The authors report that sexual activity is taken by 61% of men and only 33% of women [28]. Generally, a review of research carried out by Ozcan [37] shows that 40-70% of patients withdraw from sex life. ...
Introduction. Diabetes affects over 415 million of the world population. In Poland, the number of diabetics reaches 3 million people with more than one million of patients unaware about their disease. A large number of people with diabetes struggle with numerous complications including area of sexual dysfunction, resulting from improperly controlled blood glucose. Material and methods. The study used a proprietary three-part questionnaire for the evaluation of sexual satisfaction in patients with diabetes. Participation in the study included 110 patients with diabetes. The average age of the respondents was 42.2 (SD = 15.82). Results. The loss or decrease of interest in sex life were the most frequently reported by patients with diabetes problems in the field of sex life. More than 40% of patients are dissatisfied with their sex lives. Half of the patients have the sex life contrary to their expectations. The respondents using insulin injections had significantly lower level of sexual satisfaction than patients using insulin pumps. Conclusions. Satisfaction with sex life is a key component of the patient's wellbeing. People with diabetes rarely evaluate their lives as satisfactory. The results of the study open the working area for professionals, which will result in improving the quality of sex life of patients with diabetes. We hope that the results of our research will contribute to improving patients quality of life by encouraging physicians to pay closer attention to the realm of sex as important source of patient satisfaction.
Objectives
The objectives of the study are to assess the prevalence and type of sexual dysfunction (SD) in males and females living with diabetes mellitus and to further assess erectile dysfunction in males who score more than 10 points in the Arizona Sexual Experience (ASEX) scale with help of the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scale.
Materials and Methods
An observational cohort study was conducted on 153 diabetic patients visiting SGRDIMSR hospital, Vallah, Sri Amritsar in the Punjab region of North India. Patients aged between 18 and 50 years who were sexually active and in a healthy sexual relationship with their partner were included in the study after an informed consent. ASEX score was used for the assessment of SD and males who score more than 10 points were further assessed for erectile dysfunction with the help of IIEF-5 scale. SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0. Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp., Chicago, was used for data analysis.
Results
SD was prevalent in 64.05% ( n = 98) of study participants overall, 65.9% ( n = 5) in female and 61.5% ( n = 40) in male groups, respectively. Mean scores of each sexual domain were drive (3.85 ± 1.10) > overall satisfaction (3.34 ± 1.06) > orgasm (3.14 ± 0.96) > arousal (3.11 ± 0.84) > erection/lubrication (2.65 ± 0.82) in that order. 69.84% of male diabetic had some degree of erectile dysfunction as assessed further by IIEF-5 score. The prevalence of SD was found to be higher in patients belonging to elderly age group ( P = 0.001), longer duration of diabetes ( P = 0.001), and deteriorating glycemic control ( P = 0.001).
Conclusion
Diabetes-related SD is quite prevalent in diabetic patients with 6 out of every 10 patients experiencing this problem. Thus, sexuality needs to be discussed frequently and openly with diabetic patients. In our study, factors such as elderly age of the patient, longer duration of diabetes, and worsening glycemic control of the patient are found to increase the prevalence of SD. Furthermore, the prevalence is higher in patients who already have existing complications of diabetes such as neuropathy, retinopathy, or albuminuria.
Objectives: To determine the frequency of different types of self-reported sexualdysfunction among male type 2 diabetic patients attending diabetic clinics of National Instituteof Diabetes & Endocrinology (NIDE) at Karachi, Pakistan. Study Design: Descriptive crosssectional.Place and Duration of Study: National Institute of Diabetes & Endocrinology at DowUniversity Hospital, Ojha Campus, Karachi. From August 2014 to January 2015. Methodology:This study was conducted at diabetic clinics of NIDE at Karachi from August 2014 to January2015. Type 2 diabetic males with self-reported complaints of sexual dysfunction were selectedby non-probability convenient sampling after obtaining well informed consent. Inclusioncriteria was married type 2 diabetic males of age between 35 to 65 years with at least fiveyears duration of type 2 diabetes, taking oral hypoglycemic agents, HbA1c levels between6.5% to 9.4% and living in a stable relation with a female partner for at least one year. Patient’sdemographic, anthropometric, biochemical parameters and sexual history was recorded onpre-designed questionnaire. Arizona Sexual Experience Scale and Diagnostic and StatisticalManual of Mental Disorder-5th edition were used for quantification of sexual dysfunction. Datawas analyzed by SPSS-18, to compute mean ± SD, frequencies and percentages. P-value of<0.05 was taken significant. Results: 95 Patients Type 2 diabetic male patients were recruited;who attended diabetic clinics of NIDE with different types of SD complaints. The mean ageof patients was 53.92 ± 8.17 years with 11.59 ± 3.52 years mean duration of type 2 diabetesmellitus. 81% patients had HbA1c levels of more than 7.4% and overweight patients were52.6%. 77.9% of patients were non-smokers. According to ASEX scale, 100% participantshad clinically significant sexual dysfunction with mean score 17 ± 2.3. 58 patients had singlesexual dysfunction and among them 26.3% had erectile dysfunction, while 36 patients haddouble sexual dysfunctions and among them 20% had combination of erectile dysfunction andpremature ejaculation. Data analysis showed no significant differences in age, duration of type2 diabetes mellitus, HbA1c levels and BMI with participant’s sub-groups having single, doubleand triple sexual dysfunctions. Erectile dysfunction was the most common sexual dysfunctionself-reported by 64.2% patients either as a sole complaint or in combination with other typesof sexual dysfunction, premature ejaculation was reported by 38.9% participants, hypoactivesexual desire disorder was found in 22.1% patients while the least common sexual dysfunctionreported was delayed ejaculation by 14.7% participants. Conclusion: The combination oferectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation is most frequent, followed by the combinationof erectile dysfunction and hypoactive sexual desire disorder. All diabetic men should be askedcarefully about the probable existence of any variety of sexual dysfunctions during their medicalevaluation.
Introduction:
Accurate estimates of prevalence/incidence are important in understanding the true burden of male and female sexual dysfunction and in identifying risk factors for prevention efforts.
Aim:
To provide recommendations/guidelines concerning state-of-the-art knowledge for the epidemiology/risk factors of sexual dysfunctions in men and women.
Methods:
An International Consultation in collaboration with the major urology and sexual medicine associations assembled over 200 multidisciplinary experts from 60 countries into 17 committees. Committee members established specific objectives and scopes for various male and female sexual medicine topics. The recommendations concerning state-of-the-art knowledge in the respective sexual medicine topic represent the opinion of experts from five continents developed in a process over a 2-year period. Concerning the Epidemiology/Risk Factors Committee, there were seven experts from four countries.
Main outcome measure:
Expert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation and debate.
Results:
Standard definitions of male and female sexual dysfunctions are needed. The incidence rate for erectile dysfunction is 25-30 cases per thousand person years and increases with age. There are no parallel data for women's sexual dysfunctions. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction increases as men and women age; about 40-45% of adult women and 20-30% of adult men have at least one manifest sexual dysfunction. Common risk factor categories associated with sexual dysfunction exist for men and women including: individual general health status, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, other genitourinary disease, psychiatric/psychological disorders, other chronic diseases, and socio-demographic conditions. Endothelial dysfunction is a condition present in many cases of erectile dysfunction and there are common etiological pathways for other vascular disease states. Increasing physical activity lowers incidence of ED in males who initiate follow-up in their middle ages.
Conclusions:
There is a need for more epidemiologic research in male and female sexual dysfunction.
It is known that diabetes might cause some reproductive and sexual health problems in a wide area. Diabetes Health Care Professionals
(DHCPs) should be aware of prevention and early diagnosis of reproductive and sexual health (RSH) problems in women with diabetes.
The aim of the descriptive study was to evaluate views and attitudes and barriers of DHCPs related to RSH problems in women
with diabetes. The study comprised of 286 DHCPs. Data was collected by the self-administered form. Study results showed the
barriers on sufficient RHS care in diabetes practice such as low awareness of DHCPs, lack of certain approaches for prevention
and early diagnosis, concerns about privacy of RSH problems. It was found that DHCPs did not have sufficient approaches and
attitudes on RSH problems in women with diabetes although they believed the importance of RSH in diabetes management. For
giving optimal care, DHCPs should evaluate and manage to RSH problems in women with diabetes.
KeywordsDiabetes–Diabetes health care–Professionals–Reproductive and sexual health–Women–Turkey
Studies assessing sexual dysfunction in type 2 diabetic women are scanty. This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence and correlates of female sexual function in a quite large population of diabetic women. A total of 595 women with type 2 diabetes completed a questionnaire of self-report measures of sexual dysfunction and were analyzed in this study. Their age was 57.9+/-6.9 (mean and s.d.), duration of diabetes was 5.2+/-1.5 years and mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level was 8.3+/-1.3%. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) was assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index instrument with a cut-off score of 23. The overall prevalence of FSD among the diabetic women was 53.4%, significantly higher in menopausal women (63.9%), as compared with nonmenopausal women (41.0%, P<0.001). There was no association between HbA1c, duration of diabetes, hypertension, or cigarette smoking status and FSD; on the contrary, age, metabolic syndrome and atherogenic dyslipidemia were significantly associated with FSD. Both depression and marital status were independent predictors of FSD, while physical activity was protective. Further studies are needed to elucidate in full the mechanisms underlying the evident differences between male and female sexual function. In the meantime, evaluation of female sexuality should become a routine evaluation in women with type 2 diabetes, such as other diabetic complications.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an increasing health concern throughout the world. DM is categorized as either type 1 (DM-1) or type 2 (DM-2), where DM-1 represents a lack of insulin production, and DM-2 is characterized by a relative lack of insulin (i.e., decreased sensitivity to the effect of insulin). DM has long been considered a risk factor for sexual dysfunction in men and women, although the evidence in women is less clear. This review attempts to give an overview of female sexual dysfunction in women with DM. Although women with DM are at higher risk of developing sexual dysfunction than women without DM, there is great variability in results across studies, with the incidence of sexual dysfunction in women with DM generally linked less to organic factors and more to psychological factors, especially coexisting depression. This review hypothesizes several presumed causes for such variation in findings across studies and uses these explanations as the basis for a discussion of differences between men's and women's sexuality.
Background To investigate the prevalence of sexual health problems in women with diabetes in comparison with a non-diabetic control population. Methods Questionnaires were randomly distributed to 270 diabetic patients and 104 non-diabetic controls from three hospital centres. Responses to questions concerning sexual function, general health, contraception, pregnancy and psychological issues were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results Sexual dysfunction was more prevalent in diabetic women than those in the control group. The major sexual problem identified was vaginal lubrication [70% (72/103) vs. 40% (28/70); 2 = 15.3, d.f. = 1, P 2 = 9.4, d.f. = 1, P 2 = 7.3, d.f. = 1, P 2 = 4.5, d.f. = 1, P Sexual health problems are common in women with diabetes. Women should be encouraged to talk about sexual health issues and specialist advice should be made available to those who need it.
Female sexual dysfunction is the result of many varied and complex entities. To be able to understand and help those patients with problems, the nurse must be knowledgeable of the different dysfunctions and cognizant of the principles of treatment.
