Does the Diabetes of Type 2 Affect the Sexual Functions of Women?

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate female sexual dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes. Using the Index of Female Sexual Function, the authors compared the sexual function of type 2 diabetic women with that of nondiabetic women. Participants were 76 sexually active women with type 2 diabetes (study group) and 100 sexually active nondiabetic women (control group); all women were 24–47 years of age and had similar backgrounds. The participants with type 2 diabetes were selected from those women who applied to the Diabetes Polyclinic of the Istanbul University. Results were analyzed using chi-square and Student's t test. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was significantly higher among the study group than in the control group. The authors found that if HbA1c, body mass index, and duration of diabetes increase, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction also increases. The authors of this article conclude that all diabetic patients should be considered to have sexuality, and patients with sexual dysfunction should be referred to appropriate medical centers.