Sexual function in diabetic women: A psychological perspective

Definitional inconsistencies and a narrow approach to assessing female sexual functioning have contributed to the conflicting literature on the impact of diabetes on women's sexual functioning. This study focused on psychological factors relevant to sexual functioning in subgroups of diabetic women aged 24 to 83 (18 type 1 and 25 type 2). Between-groups analysis indicated that when compared with type 1 diabetic women, type 2 women reported significantly less sexual preoccupation and lower overall sexual functioning scores, with significantly lower desire and enjoyment. These differences remained significant when age was controlled for. While psychological factors such as anxiety and adjustment to diabetes were significantly correlated with aspects of sexual functioning, only depression accounted for significant variance in overall sexual functioning scores. These findings are supported by data from semi-structured interviews with eight women. Factors including presence of diabetic complications, body mass index (BMI) and body satisfaction were not significantly correlated with sexual functioning. Interviews identified the experience of genitourinary infections (GUIs), such as thrush, as a particular concern to diabetic women that might interfere with their sexual functioning. The implications of these findings for future research and clinical practice are discussed.