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.

(1999). Fourteenth world congress of sexology. Sexual and Marital Therapy: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 399-403.

This paper reviews the available literature which comments upon the possible impact of pregnancy on sexuality and sexual behaviour patterns, particularly the ways in which these adapt and alter. It highlights the shortcomings of the studies' construction and execution, and explores the unproven assumptions, made by the researchers, which underpin the studies. It is argued that further research needs to be undertaken which not only investigates alterations in sexual behaviour during pregnancy, but also explores changes that occur across the lifespan. There is little or no normative data against which to compare changes apparently perceived as resulting from pregnancy and, therefore, such deviations from previous patterns of behaviour may be being erroneously attributed to pregnancy itself. Additionally, it is suggested that the emphasis of the research which, has in the past, attempted to define what is normal, should adopt a more open and exploratory attitude to gain a broader picture of adaptations in sexual behaviour and their origins.

This is a scanned image of the original Editorial Board page(s) for this issue.

Before We Say ‘I Do' Nomi Whalen, 1999 Calgary, Detselig Enterprises viii + 92 pp., $15.95 ISBN 0–55059–188–6 Sourcebook of Treatment Programs for Sexual Offenders W. L. Marshall, Y. M. Fernandez, S. M. Hudson & T. Ward (Eds), 1998 New York, Plenum Press xx + 483 pp., $89.95 ISBN 0–30645730–X Sexuality Across the Life Course Alice S. Rossi (Ed.), 1999 Chicago, University of Chicago Press xviii + 418 pp., $pD15.95 paperback ISBN 0–226–72833–1 Love for All Seasons Suzanne Innes-Kent, 1998 Auckland, Penguin Books 259 pp. ISBN 0 14 027767 6 Sexual Deviation I. Rosen (Ed.), 1997 Oxford, Oxford University Press xii + 409 pp., $pD29.50 paperback 0 192 62924 7 From Toads to Queens: Transvestism in a Latin American Setting Jacobo Schifter, 1999 Binghamton, NY, Harrington Park Press xvi + 156 pp., $18.00 paperback ISBN 0–7890–0649–9 Queer Kids R E Owens, 1998 Binghamton, NY, Harrington Park Press xviii + 355 pp., $24.95 paperback ISBN 0–7890–0439–9

In order to highlight similarities and differences in the responses and ethical decisions of therapists from different professional trainings and differing cultural backgrounds, three experienced practitioners were each invited to write a commentary on their ethical stance in response to a clinical situation provided by the Editors in the Case Notes which are presented below.