Does the diabetes of type 2 affect the sexual functions of women?

This study aimed to investigate female sexual dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes. Using the Index of Female Sexual Function, the authors compared the sexual function of type 2 diabetic women with that of nondiabetic women. Participants were 76 sexually active women with type 2 diabetes (study group) and 100 sexually active nondiabetic women (control group); all women were 24-47 years of age and had similar backgrounds. The participants with type 2 diabetes were selected from those women who applied to the Diabetes Polyclinic of the Istanbul University. Results were analyzed using chi-square and Student's t test. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was significantly higher among the study group than in the control group. The authors found that if HbA1c, body mass index, and duration of diabetes increase, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction also increases. The authors of this article conclude that all diabetic patients should be considered to have sexuality, and patients with sexual dysfunction should be referred to appropriate medical centers.

Sexual dysfunction in type II diabetic females: a comparative study.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is considered to play a principle role in the etiopathogenesis of sexual dysfunction both in men and women. The aim of this study is to evaluate sexual function in Type II diabetic women. A total of 72 young diabetic women (mean age: 38.8 years) with no other systemic diseases and 60 age-matched healthy women were enrolled in our study. We sought from them a detailed medical and sexual history and used the Index of Female Sexual function (IFSF) questionnaire (Kaplan et al., 1999). The mean IFSF score of diabetic women was 29.3 +/- 6.4 and was 37.7 +/- 3.5 in normal cases (p < 0.05). Lack of libido was the most common symptom in diabetics and was observed in 77% of the women. Diminished clitoral sensation was observed in 62.5% of the women, 37.5% complained of vaginal dryness and 41.6% had vaginal discomfort. Orgasmic dysfunction was found in 49% of the women. The incidence of all these related symptoms were significantly higher when compared to controls. We concluded that significant percentage of diabetic women that we observed experience sexual dysfunction of varying degrees that diminishes their quality of life.