Abstract
Background: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a multi-causal and multidimensional issue. Chronic illnesses are major factors affecting the quality of relationships, further aggravated by disease-related pharmacological therapies. Masters and Johnson’s developed the linear sexual cycle response model of desire, arousal, orgasm, and resolution. In previous studies, FSD apparently seems to be fitted into the model of physiological sexual cycle response. Recently systemic reviews and studies have identified psycho-social aspects particularly depression as an important contributor to FSD. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the frequency of sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes; an aspect of female health that has not been explored in our population. Method: This cross-sectional observational study using a non-probability convenient purposive sampling technique was carried out at three health facilities of Karachi, for the duration of one year. A hundred women with diabetes who consented to participate in the study were included. Pregnant women, 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 sexual dysfunction (SD) while 50 (56.8%) were found to have no significant sexual issues. Husband’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. Discussion: 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.
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