Diabetics' sexual problems can be treated

/Home/Complications of Diabetes/Diabetes and Sexual Problems/Diabetes and Sexual Problem Treatment

Diabetics' sexual problems can be treated

By Dr. Stephen Ponder
Monday, February 2, 2009

CORPUS CHRISTI — Diabetes can wreak havoc on your love life. In men, the most common sexual problem is erectile dysfunction whereas diabetic women are more likely to experience vaginal dryness. These problems by themselves could be signs of undiagnosed diabetes, so make sure to get checked for diabetes if these problems affect you.

Female sexual dysfunction affects about 60 percent of all diabetic women older than 50, compared with 45 percent of non-diabetics.

The type of diabetes matters. Women with Type 1 diabetes are less likely to suffer from sexual dysfunction compared with women with Type 2 diabetes. With so much attention on Viagra and similar drugs for men, the matter of sexual dysfunction and treatment in diabetic women has received far too little attention.

It's important to first know what's causing the problem in order to have the best chance of effectively treating the problem. While vaginal dryness is the most common sign, there are others to look for. These include a reduced interest in sexual activity, absent or reduced sensation in the genital area, problems being able to reach orgasm and frequent yeast infections.

Female sexual dysfunction is the result of several problems, including injury to the small blood vessels and nerves in the genital region. High blood sugar over a long time causes this damage. Many diabetics also suffer from high blood pressure, obesity, unhealthy cholesterol levels, fatigue, repeated infections, hormone deficiencies, bladder problems and even depression, each of which can also contribute to problems in the bedroom.

Proper diagnosis requires a careful history and examination by your doctor. Make sure you raise this issue at your next visit if your doctor doesn't. Some medical tests may be necessary to get to the root of the problem.

As far as possible treatments go, much depends on the specific problem. To treat the problem of dryness there is a wide range of inexpensive water-based vaginal lubricants, which are very effective. Lubricants are also the best treatment for painful intercourse, assuming dryness is the cause.

If a vaginal yeast infection or bladder infection is at fault, these can be managed with inexpensive antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. The lower sex drive some diabetic women experience may be due to depression that can be treated. Some women may be self conscious of their bodies and benefit from professional sex counseling. Sexual technique and approach can be enhanced with sex counseling or improved communication between you and your partner.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is the most reversible sexual problem diabetics' encounter in the bedroom. After all, sex is an activity and burns calories. This can lower the blood sugar level to the point of fatigue and sudden loss of sexual desire and ability. Proper treatment of the low blood sugar with 15 grams of fruit juice or suitable equivalent will usually get things back on track within a few minutes. Checking blood sugar before sex, while not too romantic, is always the best advice to follow.

Dr. Stephen Ponder, who has Type 1 diabetes, has been a pediatric endocrinologist for 20 years. He is the director of the Children's Diabetes and Endocrine Center of South Texas at Driscoll Children's Hospital.