Sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes mellitus: Addressing impaired arousal

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction in men with diabetes is well recognized and has been widely studied. In contrast, there is a striking lack of such study and knowledge regarding sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes. Some 50% of men with diabetes suffer erectile dysfunction, often largely as a result of the vascular and neurological sequelae of the diabetic disease process. Research has confirmed the anatomical and physiological similarities between male and female genitalia. This being the case, it may be reasonable to assume that a similarly large proportion of women with diabetes will also suffer disordered/impaired sexual arousal, in the form of reduced vaginal lubrication and engorgement. If this was confirmed it would be important to react by providing an appropriate service. This paper reviews the literature to date and the current state of knowledge with regard to sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes, with particular emphasis on impaired sexual arousal. The prevalence of such problems remains unclear. The results of several studies are contradictory, and the methodology employed has often been inadequate to produce a firm answer to the questions being asked. There is a clear need for well designed, controlled studies of sexual arousal in women with both Type I and Type II diabetes to clarify the prevalence of the problem. The implications for future research and possible subsequent service development are discussed.