Lots of women with diabetes have a fulfilling sex life but some may have problems with sex at some point, known as sexual dysfunction. The reasons for this are complex and can depend on both your physical and emotional health. Diabetes can sometimes be a cause or one of the factors.
But support and treatment is available.
- How does diabetes affect a woman sexually?
- Causes of sexual problems
- Screening process for women’s sexual problems
- Treatment for women’s sexual problems
- Helping to prevent sexual problems
- Further information and support
How does diabetes affect a woman sexually?
How diabetes can affect a woman sexually is an under-researched area.
We know that common sexual problems in women that can be affected by diabetes include lack of interest in sex, difficulty becoming aroused and vaginal dryness.
But it’s important to remember that if you have a sexual problem, it may not necessarily be linked to living with diabetes.
There are lots of other things that can cause sexual problems, from relationship difficulties and caring responsibilities to side effects from medication.
Causes of sexual problems in women
Emotional factors
Women with diabetes who have anxiety are more likely to have sexual problems than women with diabetes who don’t, small research studies have shown.
And diabetes distress caused by the relentlessness of managing a long-term health condition, is more likely to cause or contribute to sexual problems in women with diabetes than men with diabetes.
How you’re feeling can have a big impact on sex too, along with how comfortable you feel with someone. Feeling worried or embarrassed may make having sex difficult.
See our tips on sex and diabetes tech
High blood sugar levels and other physical factors
Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves including the ones that supply your sexual organs – your vulva, vagina and clitoris. In some women, restricted blood flow and nerve damage – known as diabetic autonomic neuropathy – may mean loss of some feeling or sensation and difficulty getting aroused.
It can also cause vaginal dryness which can make sex painful. This may affect your interest in having sex.
“I used to enjoy my feet being massaged but I’ve lost most of the feeling in them. And I can’t pick things up with the tips of my fingers. So he has to put the condom on – rather than me helping him, which is all part of sex isn’t it?" Forum user
Urinary tract infections and yeast infections (thrush)
High blood sugar levels in your urine can make bacteria more likely to grow and increase your risk of urinary tract infections and thrush, a fungal infection, which is more common in women. Symptoms can include:
- itchiness and pain around the entrance of your vagina
- discharge that might be white and thick
- pain during sex
- stinging when you pee.
Hormones
Falling levels of oestrogen and progesterone hormones when women go through the perimenopause and menopause can lead to rapid changes in blood sugar levels making them more difficult to manage. This can lead to higher blood sugar levels more often.
Insulin resistance – where your body isn’t responding properly to insulin can be more common during perimenopause and after menopause and can also lead to higher blood sugar levels.
The hormonal changes during the menopause can also increase the risk of vaginal dryness and can affect your sex drive.
What is the screening process for women’s sexual problems?
There is no screening process for finding out if women with diabetes are having sexual problems, although it is recognised as one of the possible complications of diabetes.
Men with diabetes are much more likely to be asked about sexual problems during their annual review than women.
Lack of time during appointments and concerns that questions may cause surprise or distress are among the reasons healthcare professionals give in the results of a survey by Dr Jo Murphy for not asking women with diabetes about sexual problems.
If you are able to bring up a sexual problem with your GP or healthcare team, they should be happy to support you.
If you’re uncomfortable speaking to your GP or healthcare team about sexual problems, you could consider taking your partner for support. Or you could speak to our helpline on 0345 123 2399, or a friend or relative to support you in deciding what you’d like to say. Or reach out for advice on our forum from those who have been in your position.
If you’ve noticed changes in sensation or what you’re feeling and you think it might be related to your diabetes or hormones, don’t let your GP or healthcare team dismiss it as emotionally-related.
You could ask for further tests to see if there is a physical or hormone issue causing the problem which could be treated.
Treatment for women’s sexual problems
If you have a sexual problem and it’s not clear what it is causing it, your GP might carry out medical check-ups to rule out other health conditions.
This may include checks and tests such as your blood pressure and hormone levels.
They should provide advice and discuss any treatment options with you or refer you for any further support and treatment you might need including a referral to a specialist.
If you are having difficulty with sexual arousal or lack of sensation from your diabetes, there is no medication like Viagra that’s available for women. But your GP or healthcare team should review any medication you’re taking to make sure it’s not one that is known to cause sexual problems.
To help with vaginal dryness, your healthcare professional may suggest over-the-counter water-based lubricants you can buy from the chemist, which will help lubrication and make sex more comfortable.
If you have lost interest in having sex, depending on the cause, HRT, anti-depressants, and counselling may be offered.
If you have a sexual problem that is emotionally-related, you may be referred to a counsellor who specialises in sexual health if this is available in your area.
Our tips below on helping prevent sexual problems may also help with existing sexual problems.
Helping to prevent sexual problems
To help you reduce your risk of sexual problems from your diabetes, it’s important to:
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Go to your diabetes health checks (annual review)
Your blood sugar levels (HbA1c), blood pressure and cholesterol will all be measured and you can see if you need support from your healthcare team to keep your levels for each within target range. -
Keep your blood sugars near or within your target range
This will help reduce blood vessel and nerve damage which can affect blood flow to your sexual organs. And it will help you avoid thrush or UTIs. Other things you can do to help prevent thrush or UTIs is to drink plenty of sugar free fluid, and don't use perfumed shower gel or wear tight underwear. -
Continue to take any medication to lower your blood sugar levels
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Get support to be physically active
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Eat a healthy balanced diet
Having all the vitamins and minerals you need will help protect against and repair early nerve damage. -
Limit your alcohol intake if you drink
Aim for fewer than 14 units a week spread over at least three days. -
Get support if you're finding it hard to manage your diabetes
Speak to your diabetes team. They should support you to help prevent diabetes distress or burnout which can lead to sexual problems. -
Stopping smoking
Further information and support
A leaflet called Sexual Health and Diabetes for Women has been produced by the Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation.
Download the leaflet from the Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation website – or listen to an audio version.
As well as your healthcare team, our helpline is here to answer your questions or just listen.
You can also reach out on our forum to ask others about their experience of sexual problems or get advice on your own situation.
