Female Sexual Dysfunction
In this post Viagra age, the American public is well aware of the problems of male impotency. But female sexual dysfunction and arousal problems remain a less publicized cause. You may be surprised tolearn that according to results of a national study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1999, sexual dysfunction was actually more prevalent in women than in men . Uncontrolled blood glucose levels affect arousal, performance, and overall well being. High blood sugars trigger yeast infections and vaginal irritation. In addition, vascular damage can restrict blood flow to the vagina, causing lubrication problems. Women who have neuropathy that affects the genital area, the reproductive organs, and/or the vagina may have difficulty achieving arousal and orgasm.
Psychological Factors
Sometimes the problem is more psychological than physical. The less romantic aspects of treatment, such as needing to do a blood sugar check before sex, can make some women self conscious and less likely to initiate or participate in it. Fear may be a factor in your ability to let go and relax, as well. You may be afraid that the physical exertion of sex will trigger hypoglycemia. Taking the same precautions you do for exercise will almost always prevent blood sugar lows. However, make sure your partner knows that in the unlikely event that you do lose consciousness, it wasn't his performance that did it. Give him a briefing on when to seek emergency medical care for you.
Other Culprits
A number of other issues can contribute to sexual difficulties in women with diabetes. These include:
- Certain medications (e.g., antidepressants, hypertension medications)
- Menopause (low estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness)
- Vaginismus (a tightening of the vaginal walls that may make sex painful)
- Excess weight or obesity women who are overweight may feel self conscious and unattractive
Treatments
Therapy and/or medication may help you overcome depression. Make sure you talk to your doctor about the possible sexual side effects of any antidepressant she may prescribe. Some newer drugs, such as Wellbutrin (buproprion), have lower risks of sexual side effects and may be preferred. If low estrogen levels are at the root of vaginal dryness problems, vaginal estrogen cream can sometimes alleviate this problem, but it should be prescribed with caution in some women. Over the counter lubricants are also available to ease dryness and painful penetration. And medical devices designed to stimulate blood flow in the genitals and increase lubrication may also be prescribed. Your gynecologist or urologist can tell you more about these options. As with most complications related to diabetes, adjustments to your diet, medication, and exercise routines may improve both your diabetes and your sex drive.