Frequency of Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Objectives: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) with chronic diseases such as diabetes has received little attention globally. The aim of this study is to assess the frequency of sexual dysfunction (SD) in women with diabetes; an aspect of female health that has not been explored in our population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study using non-probability convenient purposive sampling technique was carried out at three health facilities of Karachi, for a duration of 1 year. One hundred women with diabetes who consented to participate in the study were included. Pregnant, divorced, widowed, and unmarried females were excluded. Modified female sexual function index (FSFI) was used to gather information. Results: Out of 100 women, 88 women with diabetes completed the interviewer-based modified FSFI survey questionnaire. Among 88 women, 38 (43.2%) reported to have SD, whereas 50 (56.8%) were found to have no significant sexual issues. Partner's age and occupation were significantly associated with FSD. All parameters of modified FSFI, i.e., sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and dyspareunia, were significantly associated (P < 0.001) with diabetes. Conclusion: Women with diabetes are at increased risk of SD and often do not volunteer information about their sexual issues. The most common cause of SD was dyspareunia, followed by lubrication, orgasm, lack of sexual arousal, and sexual desire. The healthcare providers should be aware to initiate and facilitate the discussion and need to develop their own comfort to talk about sexual issues.

Effect of counseling model on diabetic women regarding sexual dysfunction: a quasi-experimental study

“…Moreover, regarding the number of living children more than half of them have one to three children and most of them are cesarian. These results agreed with Gerges et al [ 10 ] who studied sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes in Banha and revealed that more than two-thirds of the studied women had from one to three children, in contrast to the result of the current study more than two-thirds of them were delivered with Vaginal delivery mode.…”

“…Education and counseling are effective in improving women’s sexual function through the provision of knowledge and problem-solving skills. Healthy lifestyles including nutrition, exercise, and sleep by controlling blood sugar levels protect a person from free radicals and indirectly affect their sexual function by regulating the body’s blood flow [ 10 ].…”

Prevalence and associated factors of sexual dysfunction in premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Adjustments to diabetes which may be experienced differently could also be a factor. Hence, the variation maybe related to age and duration of diabetes both of which are known mediators of FSD 9,34,37 . Another source of variability could be related to the fact that the FSFI does not specifically exclude sexually inactive women.…”

“…Hence, the variation maybe related to age and duration of diabetes both of which are known mediators of FSD. 9,34,37 Another source of variability could be related to the fact that the FSFI does not specifically exclude sexually inactive women. While 10 of the included studies excluded sexually inactive women, the prevalence rate in study 10, which did not make it clear whether sexually inactive women were excluded, was 50%.…”

Effect of Counseling Model on Diabetic Women Regarding Sexual Dysfunction: A quasi-experimental research design (pre-test and post-test one group)

“…Education and counseling are effective in improving women's sexual function through the provision of knowledge and problem-solving skills. Healthy lifestyles including nutrition, exercise, and sleep by controlling blood sugar levels protect a person from free radicals and indirectly affect their sexual function by regulating the body's blood ow (Masood, Saeed, Lakho, Masood, Rehman, and Memon, 2021;Sebtain, 2022).…”