Mediators of sexual functions in women with diabetes.

INTRODUCTION

Sexual disorders in women with diabetes mellitus (DM) may not necessarily have only the biological etiology.

AIMS

To establish the mediators of sexual functions in the population of women with DM.

METHODS

Five hundred seventeen females, aged 18-55 years old, were included in a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study. This is the second part of the study on sexual functions in females with DM where only females with DM (n=242) were analyzed. Sexual functions were compared between women with type 1 (n=109) and type 2 DM (N=133).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

To assess reported female sexual functions by using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in women with type 1 and type 2 DM. To establish the risk factors of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in women with DM by using multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Sexual dysfunction was diagnosed in 32.65% (n=64) of women with DM. Women with type 2 DM had a significantly lower number of points scored in all FSFI domains except pain compared to type 1 respondents. The only variables associated with DM significantly influencing sexual functioning were: type 2 diabetes in desire, arousal, as well as in global FSD (odds ratio [OR]=1.40; 2.70 and 3.31, respectively), the presence of retinopathy in lubrication (OR=7.8), and treatment with insulin in satisfaction domain (OR=0.29). Neither the presence of comorbidities, the duration of diabetes, the presence of diabetes complications nor the glycemic control was a moderator of FSD. The strongest significant predictors of FSD were: the presence of depressive symptoms, the importance of sex to the respondent, and satisfaction with the partner as a lover.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with DM, especially type 2, are at risk of sexual dysfunctions. Diabetes-related factors have little impact on sexual functions in women with DM. Depressive symptoms, partner-related factors, and individual perception of sexuality should be evaluated when counseling females with DM.