Diabetes Is Associated with Diminished Sexual Satisfaction in Women

Diabetes negatively affects sexual function differently in women than it does in men.

Although diabetes is a strong risk factor for erectile dysfunction in men (JW Gen Med Feb 24 2006), the effects of this disease on women's sexual functioning are poorly understood. Investigators analyzed data from the Kaiser Reproductive Risks of Incontinence Study to assess sexual function in a cross-sectional cohort of ethnically diverse women (age range, 40–80) who completed self-administered questionnaires. Sexual activity was defined as “any activity that is arousing to you, including masturbation.”

Of the 2270 participants (mean age, 55), 139 (6%) had insulin-treated diabetes and 347 (15%) had noninsulin-treated diabetes. Overall, 807 (36%) reported no sexual activity during the preceding 3 months. Neither sexual desire nor sexual acti…

Reviewing Author

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Diabetes Is Associated with Diminished Sexual Satisfaction in Women

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Reviewing Author