|
Possible Effects Of Diabetes On A Person’s Sexuality
(05/04/2004) by Annette Owens
by Annette Fuglsang Owens, MD PhD, Chief Medical Officer for SexualHealth.com
Many men and women with diabetes complain about sexual
problems. Usually these symptoms occur at later stages of
the disease. However, occasionally sexual problems are
some of the first symptoms, and some men having trouble
with their erections become diagnosed with diabetes.
Since late-stage diabetes can affect the functioning of
nerves as well as of small blood vessels, both of these
changes may interfere with sexual function. Other problems
may be changes in eye-sight, reduced sensation in feet,
reduced kidney function, etc.
General suggestions related to sexual problems and
their management
The most important way to reduce the symptoms in
your various organs (eyes, kidneys, sexual organs,
etc.) is to keep your blood-sugar well regulated.
If you have not already done so, see your doctor
regularly in order to find the best treatment options
for you. There are many good medications available.
It is also important that your doctor know about any
new symptoms you may be experiencing.
If you feel reduced interest in sex, remember that you
still can have a loving relationship with your partner
without sexual activity. There are many ways of
expressing your love and fondness, without having
sex, including cuddling and kissing each other.
If you feel very tired, try to plan intimate time with
your partner at times when you are most rested.
If the diabetes is not well controlled, many women are
prone to vaginal infections. If left untreated, these
infections can lead to pain during intercourse. Try to
keep your blood-sugar well regulated, and seek
medical care as soon as you think that you may have
a vaginal infection. Some of the symptoms are
irritation, itching, a burning sensation when urinating,
an excessive or disagreeable discharge, and pain
during intercourse.
Women with decreased vaginal lubrication can use
water-soluble lubricants (K-Y jelly, Astroglide, etc.),
sold over the counter in most pharmacies.
Some men with poorly controlled diabetes experience
erectile problems. It is important to know that
erectile function often improves when better
blood-sugar control is achieved.
Some men who have lost their erectile ability are still
able to experience orgasms and to ejaculate. If
erectile function is severely affected there are several
ways to help you have better erections. Several
medications are now available on the market; vacuum
devices have been useful for many; and penile
implants are available for severe erectile dysfunction. Sexual counseling or sex therapy can be helpful.
Remember that erectile dysfunction does not prevent
you from being sexually active and giving towards the
one you love. This may be a good time to explore
alternative ways of being loving and intimate with your
partner.
Dry orgasms (retrograde ejaculation) happen in some
men. Usually this is due to the ejaculate not flowing
out through the urethra, but rather being emptied
(flowing "backwards") into the bladder. This condition
is not dangerous. Most men with dry orgasm claim
that the sensation during orgasm is unchanged.
Fertility & pregnancy
If you are in the reproductive age, discuss the best
method of birth control with your doctor. Sometimes
birth control pills may disturb the diabetic control, and
other methods (diaphragm, intrauterine device,
cervical cap, condoms, etc.) may be a better solution
for you.
If you have diabetes and wish to become pregnant, it
is important to attempt optimal control of your
blood-sugar even before conception. Your
gynecologist should follow you closely throughout
your pregnancy and adjust your medication if
necessary.
Some women with diabetes have more complications
during pregnancy and delivery than women without
the disease. Babies often tend to be larger, and
sometimes your gynecologist will choose to induce
labor a few weeks before your actual due-date.
Male fertility may be affected by an inability to achieve
erections, retrograde ejaculation, and endocrine
abnormalities.
Local support
The Charlottesville Sexual Health & Wellness Clinic
offers individual and group session where people with
diabetes and/or their partners can discuss their concerns
related to sexual wellness. If you live in the Charlottesville
area and are interested in participating, please submit your
contact information using group@cvillewellness.com.
References
Bancroft, J. (1989) Human sexuality and its problems.
Churchill Livingstone, ISBN: 0-443-03455-9
Milsten, R. & Slowinski, J. (1999) The sexual male.
Problems and solutions. Norton, ISBN: 0-393-04740-7
Schover, L.R. & Jensen, S.B. (1988) Sexuality and chronic
illness. A comprehensive approach. The Guilford Press,
ISBN: 0-89862-715-X
Sipski, M.L. & Alexander, C.J. (1997) Sexual function in
people with disability and chronic illness. Aspen Publishers,
Inc., ISBN: 0-8342-0886-5 This article appears in the following topics:
|
