Sex
It is entirely possible for a person with diabetes to have a long and happy sex life. It's true that certain sexual problems may arise that are related to diabetes, but there are plenty of people without diabetes who also have sexual problems.
Enjoying sexuality
Enjoying sexuality is an important part of life for most healthy adults. But, occasionally, all people can experience problems related to sexuality. These problems may have nothing to do with diabetes but diabetes itself may cause some specific sexual problems.
Myths about sex and diabetes
There are many myths about sexual problems caused by diabetes. It is important that you put these aside. Diabetes does not affect everyone the same way. Nor do all people perceive and solve problems the same way. If you have questions about the effect of diabetes on sexuality, or if you are experiencing a problem, talk to the members of your diabetes care team.
Keep blood sugar under control
Keeping your blood sugar under good control is important in order to function sexually. In the short term, avoiding hypo- and hyperglycaemia can indirectly affect your sexual pleasure. In the long term, good control of blood sugar can help prevent certain complications from diabetes, which may interfere with sexual function. This means taking the dose of insulin necessary to keep blood sugar within normal limits.
Hyperglycaemia
Prolonged hyperglycemia can make you feel tired. This may reduce your sexual desire and interfere with erections. Hyperglycemia can also promote uncomfortable fungal infections in the vagina and on the penis. This results in pain and itching and can reduce your desire for sex. If you do have intercourse, the infection can spread to your partner. Improved diabetes control and use of a fungicide cream will normally cure the infection within a few days.
Hypoglycaemia
Hypoglycaemia may cause you to feel uncomfortable and interfere with sexual enjoyment. The fall in blood sugar during intercourse is usually small and the risk of passing out is low. Still, many people have experienced hypoglycaemic episodes during intercourse, or later during the night. Activity prior to intercourse, such as dancing or drinking alcohol, may contribute to these episodes. In any case, the fear of hypoglycaemia may reduce sexual desire and satisfaction.
Long term complications
Diabetes can damage nerves related to sexual performance. Men are more often affected by this than women. If diabetic neuropathy affects the nerves that supply the blood vessels to the penis, erection may be diminished, or impossible. Women with diabetes have fewer sexual problems related to long-term complications. Decreased libido and vaginal dryness may occur somewhat more frequently than in women without diabetes.
Sexual problems
Many of the problems people experience with sexuality are psychological in nature. People with diabetes can have the same problems with relationships as people without diabetes. In many cases, partners can resolve their problems by talking honestly with each other. In other cases, the couple may need help from a doctor, nurse, psychologist or other specially trained professional.
Diabetes and pregnancy
Many people with diabetes want to have children. Most women with diabetes can go through a normal pregnancy just like any other woman. However, the woman with diabetes must plan her pregnancy carefully. It is important that the blood sugar is well controlled before conception occurs. This means that the woman with diabetes, and her partner, must use effective contraception until tight blood sugar control is achieved. Planned pregnancies should be discussed with your diabetes team.
Diabetes, sexuality and you
Living with diabetes affects every area of your life. This includes all of the issues surrounding sexuality. For some, adjusting to changes in these areas will be easy. For others, it will be more difficult. It is important to be honest about your concerns and about the problems that you may face. Your diabetes care team is ready and willing to help.
Frequently Asked Questions on Sex and diabetes
Frequently Asked Questions on Contraception
APP/KOL/AC 22/02/07