Sexual Health
Sexual Dysfunction and Diabetes in Men
Many men with diabetes feel isolated if they develop impotence (erectile dysfuntion). Impotence is certainly not an isolated problem, however as we now know that approximately one third to one half of diabetic men suffer from this problem.
Ten years ago impotence was a taboo subject. Patients and Health care professionals were embarrassed to talk about the subject. Health care professionals were uncertain how to treat the problem and the easiest way out was to reassure the patient that the problem would get better with time. However, if a man with diabetes develops impotence there is less than 1 in 10 chance that the problem will improve spontaneously.
Who can you turn to for help?
The Diabetes Research Wellness foundation have produced a leaflet written by Professor M H Cummings, Consultant Physician at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust. Click here to go to the leaflet
Sexual Dysfunction and Diabetes in Women
Sexual Health is an important aspect of our daily lives but suprisingly it has not been well studied. Research into female sexuality has been particualrly poor.
There are many different factors involved in the sexual well-being of women with diabetes. One or more of these factors can be affected by diabetes and lead to sexual problems. These are listed below:
- Physical problems: These are problems that relate to the sexual act itself and may include a reduced sex drive, reduced pleasure from sex, a lack of vaginal lubrication and sensation, a reduced ability to orgasm or painful sex.
- Inconvenience: Diabetes may lead to other difficulties such as excessive tiredness, the inconvenience of injections, the effects of high/low blood sugars and time constraints caused by the demands of looking after your diabetes.
- Personal concerns: Including self-image problems such as excess weight or lumpy injection sites and other psychological issues such as depression, anxiety and worry
- Relationship worries: Communication with partners and support from others is likely to play an important role in your sexual well-being.
- General health concerns: Including worries about pregnancy, contraception as well as the effects of ill-health, diabetes complications, related illnesses and the effects of medication.
Who can you turn to for help?
The Diabetes Research Wellness Foundation have produced a leaflet written by Dr D Meekings, Consultant Physician at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust. Click here to go to the leaflet
How to obtain Treatment
Male Patients
All male patients who develop erectile dysfunction are entitled to treatment under the NHS. In most cases, general practitioners can prescribe oral therapy although occasionally they may ask for other assessments before embarking upon treatment.
For patients with diabetes who are unable to take oral therapy for erectile dysfunction, who develop side effects or who do not respond, the diabetes service at Queen Alexandra Hospital run an erectile dysfunction service (Professor Michael Cummings/DSN Sarah Moutter). Alternatively patients can be seen within the urology service and this is particularly relevant if there are anatomical abnormalities of the penis.
There are also psychosexual counsellors available within the Ella Gordon Unit for patients with a predominantly psychological cause for their erectile dysfunction. or for womem with diabetes and sexual health issues.
Female Patients
Few women seek help for sexual problems but it should be remembered that treatments are available. Sexual health is important to your physical and psychological well-being. Women with diabetes may have a range of sexual health concerns and should be encouraged to talk freely about these so that help and advice can be offered where appropriate. Visit your General Practitioner for help and information.
If it is clear that there is a strong psychological contribution to the problem, then seeing a psychosexual counsellor can be very rewarding and are available within the Ella Gordon Unit. Visit your General Practitioner for more information.