Sexual problems in diabetes

Abstract

The distress and hardship caused by sexual difficulties in people with diabetes is underestimated. Sexual problems in patients with diabetes tend to be neglected or overlooked because of other more pressing medical needs, patient embarrassment or misperceptions that sexual dysfunction is an inevitable and untreatable part of diabetes. A full personal relationship and sexual history is probably the most useful diagnostic tool when assessing sexual problems in people with diabetes. The doctor must be comfortable discussing sexuality. Although organic functioning does not necessarily equate with sexual satisfaction, restoring organic sexual function may be critical to the well-being of people who are suffering other losses. It is unlikely for a medical sexual problem to exist in isolation from psychological or relationship ( intrapersonal or interpersonal) difficulties. The effect of diabetes on female sexual function is not well researched. Impotence in diabetes is usually organic in origin. Impotence can occur at an earlier age in men with diabetes than in those without. Intracavernous injection treatment, vacuum pump devices and penile prostheses offer excellent management options in men with diabetes who have erectile difficulties. (author abstract)