Diabetes Sexual problems

What sexual problems can women with diabetes have?

Low sexual desire and response, vaginal dryness, and painful sex can be caused by nerve damage, reduced blood flow to the genitals, and hormonal changes.

Low sexual desire and response

Low sexual desire and sexual response can include:

• being unable to become or stay aroused.
• not having enough vaginal lubrication.
• having little to no feeling in your genitals.
• being unable to have an orgasm or rarely having one.

Painful sex

• Some women with diabetes say they have uncomfortable or painful sexual intercourse.
• The nerves that tell your vagina to lubricate during stimulation can become damaged by diabetes.
• Your doctor’s prescription on vaginal lubricant may help if you have vaginal dryness.

Yeast and bladder infections

• Women with diabetes are more likely to have yeast infections.
• Yeast infections can be uncomfortable or painful and prevent you from enjoying activities, including having sex.

Pregnancy concerns and fertility problems

• Conditions such as obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) that are linked to diabetes can make it harder to conceive a child.
• Talk with a gynaecologist or a fertility specialist, if you’re having problems conceiving a child.