Sexual Functioning and Distress Among Premenopausal Women with Uncomplicated Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

IntroductionCurrent studies indicate that women with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) have a high prevalence of sexual disorders although data on the prevalence of sexual dysfunction are limited when sexual distress is included.AimThe frequency and the possible correlates of distressful sexual disorders in a highly selected group of type 1 diabetic women.MethodsThe sexual function, sexual distress, and general health status were assessed in 44 premenopausal women with uncomplicated T1DM and 47 healthy controls, using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), and the General Health Questionnaire–28 (GHQ–28).Main Outcome MeasuresThe impact of sexual distress on the frequency of female sexual dysfunction (FSD).ResultsThe frequency of sexual disorders according to the FSFI was significantly higher in diabetic compared to control women (25% vs. 8.5%, respectively, P < 0.05). Diabetic women had significantly lower median (first to third quartile) total FSFI score compared to control group (30.55 [26.08–33.08] vs. 33.50 [30.70–34.30], P = 0.001). Desire, arousal, and satisfaction were the sexual domains significantly affected in the diabetic group. Diabetic women had significantly higher median (first to third quartile) FSDS score compared to control group (6.5 [2.3–15.8] vs. 4.0 [1.0–10.5]P = 0.043). FSD (combined pathological FSFI and FSDS scores) was present in higher proportion of diabetic women (15.9%) compared to controls (2.1%) (P = 0.020). GHQ–28 score was comparable between the groups. However, in the diabetic group, FSD was related with anxiety, depression, and low educational level. Diabetes-related factors were not associated with FSD.ConclusionsPre-menopausal women with uncomplicated T1DM have significantly higher frequency of FSD compared to healthy controls, when the criterion of sexual distress is included. Psychosomatic and contextual factors implicated in sexual distress are correlates of FSD.

Evaluation of Sexual Function of Postmenopausal Brazilian Women

“…In addition, the isoforms endothelial (eNOS) and neuronal (nNOS) nitric oxide synthase have been described as significantly reduced in the vaginal tissue, which may reduce the vaginal hemodynamic response (8). Hyperglycemia apparently decreases hydration of mucus membranes and, in addition to vascular modifications, compromises vaginal lubrication, leading to dyspareunia (8,24,26,27).…”

Psychometric properties of the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised among a sample of non-clinical Iranian women

“…Th ese studies showed that the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions accompanied by distress are notably lower than the prevalence of sexual dysfunction per se (Bancroft et al 2003;Witting et al 2008;Hayes et al 2008;Burri et al 2011). It seems that cultural, psychological, interpersonal and contextual factors are important determinants in experiencing personal distress among women with low levels of sexual performance (Witting et al 2008;Burri et al 2011;Connor et al 2011;Dimitropoulos et al 2012 ;. For example, there is some evidence that the ability to communicate one ' s sexual needs, intimacy and compatibility with the partner may play a protective role in the experience of sexual distress among women (Bancroft et al 2003;Hayes et al 2008;Witting et al 2008).…”

Metabolic Syndrome and Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women

“…Among premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes who met a cut point for female sexual dysfunction, BMI, number of children, anxiety, social dysfunction, and depression were significant correlates of sexual dysfunction 17 . Insulin-treated diabetic women reported the lowest sexual satisfaction followed by non-insulin treated women followed by women without diabetes 18 .…”