Are women with diabetes more likely to have a sexual dysfunction? A nationwide survey

Sexuality is both an emotive and sensitive topic. It is an integral part of a woman’s life that can be adversely affected by diabetes in ways that are detrimental to her health and relationships, yet it remains one of the... [ view full abstract ]

Sexuality is both an emotive and sensitive topic. It is an integral part of a woman’s life that can be adversely affected by diabetes in ways that are detrimental to her health and relationships, yet it remains one of the most neglected aspects of study in healthcare. The existing minimal research and clinical literature on female sexual function and diabetes mainly focuses on the physical aspect and does not examine a holistic view. Physiological, psychological and relationship elements are all potential contributing factors to female sexual dysfunction.

Study Aim: To examine the demographic, behavioural and clinical variables, psychological well-being, sexual self-concept, sexual relationships and sexual functioning of females with diabetes (type 1 or type 2) without diabetes.

A correlational, cross sectional online study was conducted with participants recruited via Facebook (n= 338). Sexual function was measured using the female sexual function index. Psychological well-being was determined using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Sexual self-concept was assessed using the Sexual Self-Schema Scale, while sexual relationships were examined using the Emotional Intimacy and Relationship Satisfaction Scales. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data.

Risk of sexual dysfunction was reported to be 98.9% of females with type 2 diabetes compared to 61.0% with type 1 diabetes and 21.5% for controls. Controls and those with type 1 diabetes were more likely to have a positive sexual self schema while those with type 2 diabetes were more likely to have a negative sexual self schema.

Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent complication for women with diabetes. The results from this study indicate the need for female sexual dysfunction and its demographic, behavioural, clinical, physiological, psychological and relationship elements, to be incorporated into healthcare professionals’ assessment in women with diabetes.