Women's Sexual Health and Diabetes

Diabetes can affect sexual functioning and fulfillment for both men and women. The good news is that sexual health is getting more attention, and there is more help available. If you are having any problems related to sexual issues and you want help, talk to your health care team. If you don't feel comfortable talking with your provider, perhaps you need to find a health care professional with whom you do feel comfortable discussing personal matters.

Your provider will evaluate your concerns and help you sort out the causes. There are many factors that can result in sexual difficulties, including medications, hormonal changes, problems caused by diabetes, and your emotional health. If your sexual problem appears to be due to a physical cause, you may be referred to a gynecologist or urologist. If stress or anxiety is contributing to your problem, a visit with a mental health professional may be in order. Depression, which is more common among people with diabetes, can also contribute to problems with sexual fulfillment and performance.

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Women

Many women with diabetes at one time or another experience some sexual difficulties. In fact, one study showed that 30 to 40 percent of women with diabetes reported that they have problems with sexual functioning, refrain from sexual relations, and are generally not satisfied with sex. But for women, long-term blood glucose levels and diabetes complications don't appear to have a direct effect on sexual functioning.

For most women with diabetes, the problem is caused by lack of arousal. There is a very strong link between mind and body. If a woman does not feel in the mood for sex, then her body does not respond the way it needs to in order for her to enjoy it. If she is not emotionally ready or interested in sex, then she will be less likely to enjoy it physically.

Avoiding Lows after Sex If you use insulin, you need to be watchful for low blood glucose during or after sex.

• Check your blood glucose first: This may slow you down a bit, but it's better than having to deal with a low blood glucose later.
• Eat just before or right after active sex, just as you would if you were exercising.
• Consider having a snack before going to sleep for the night.
• If you use an insulin pump, you may want to disconnect it during lovemaking to avoid going low. The length of time you can safely keep the pump off without an injection depends on how active you are. Ask your health care team for advice about this.

This is probably true for all women, but there are certain reasons that it is especially true for women with diabetes.
Women's sexual health can be affected by many issues:

• vaginal infections that affect how you feel physically and how sexy you feel