Possible Correlation Between Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Female Sexual Dysfunction: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction Sexual dysfunction in diabetic women has received less attention in clinical research than the sexual symptoms of diabetic men. Although conflicting results have been reported, several studies suggest an increased prevalence of deficient vaginal lubrication in women with diabetes mellitus. As support to the hypothesis of a potential diabetes-related arousal dysfunction caused by a decrease in vaginal lubrication of women with Type 1 diabetes mellitus, we describe the following case report. Methods A 29-year-old white woman was found with a sexual arousal disorder of sudden onset, complicated by loss of orgasm and sexual desire, in absence of any marital, relational, psychological, or gynecological cause. Results One month later she was diagnosed with severe Type 1 diabetes. With the correction of diabetes and without other treatment of the sexual dysfunction, she experienced a full recovery of her sexual complaints. Conclusion The case illustrates the importance of being aware of female sexual dysfunction as an early symptom of diabetes mellitus and suggests that a good glycemic control would be fundamental to restore a normal sexual activity in diabetic women. It also demonstrates the need to take into account, not only in males, a sexual history in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Sexual dysfunction among women with diabetes mellitus in a diabetic center in Amol

“…No significant association between sexual dysfunction and BMI has been observed. [926] We also could not find a statistically significant association between BMI and sexual dysfunction among women with diabetes which is consistent with earlier reports. In our study, there was no relationship between age and duration of diabetes and frequency of sexual dysfunction but there was a statistically significant association between the number of complications due to diabetes and frequency of sexual dysfunction ( P = 0.01).…”

“…[9122627] Additionally, other studies suggest the presence of sexual dysfunction among those who suffer from type 2 diabetes. [2526] These disorders include disorders of desire, lubrication, satisfaction, orgasm, and dyspareunia. In our study due to the small number of participants with type 1 diabetes, there was no assessment of occurrence of sexual dysfunction among them.…”

Factors affecting sexual function in premenopausal age women with type 2 diabetes: a comprehensive study

“…Some investigators claimed sexual dysfunction could be the first clinically presenting symptom in diabetic women (10). In our study, the FSFI score of women with type 2 diabetes significantly showed that patients in this group had poorer sexual function than the healthy control group.…”

Is Sexual Dysfunction Associated with Diabetes Control and Related Factors in Women with Diabetes?

“…Bultrini et al claimed that sexual dysfunction could be decreased in women with diabetes by improving the metabolic control [32]. Veronelli et al demonstrated the relation between high HbA 1c and sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women with diabetes [8].…”