Sexual dysfunction in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An observational study

Abstract

Introduction: There is a dearth of studies evaluating sexual dysfunction in women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), despite anecdotal evidence suggesting an association between glycemic control and female sexual health. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out in 100 women with T2DM under follow-up at a regional diabetes center. Validated questionnaires, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) were used to collate the prevalence and severity of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in the subjects. Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were recorded by clinical examination and blood tests, respectively. Results: FSD was reported in 18% (95% CI: 10.5–25.5%) of the women enrolled in the study. The women with FSD were significantly older (50 ± 9.3 years vs. 43.9 ± 8.2 years, P = 0.006). In addition, the mean body mass index (BMI) (31.96 ± 5.5 Kg/m2 vs. 28.98 ± 4.63Kg/m2, P = 0.02) and waist circumference (38.88 ± 6.6 inches vs. 35.54 ± 5.62 inches, P = 0.03) were higher in the women with FSD compared with those without FSD. However, we observed no statistically significant association between FSD and the duration of diabetes, level of glycemic control, and serum testosterone level. Conclusion: Advanced age, higher BMI, and central adiposity were related with the development of FSD, whereas the duration of diabetes and level of HbA1c did not increase FSD risk.