How and why does diabetes affect female sexuality?
Mentions of diabetes in the context of sexual dysfunction almost always refer to erectile dysfunction. And this is true — after all, the risk of developing it is three times higher in diabetics compared to men without diabetes. However, the impact of diabetes on female sexuality has not been studied enough.
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Fortunately, in recent years the situation has begun to change. And now researchers know more about how diabetes affects women”s intimate areas.
Depressing statistics
Diabetes is one of the most serious diseases. According to statistics, in the West it affects about 11% of the adult population. In Russia, the number of people with diabetes is officially estimated at 4. 3 million people, but according to researchers, this number is about 8 million, with about 30 million people suffering from prediabetes. This disease significantly increases the risk of developing dangerous conditions and complications such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. Diabetes can lead to blindness and amputation of legs and feet. As you know, there are two types of this disease: type 1 and type 2. In the first case, we are talking about an autoimmune disease that begins in childhood. This type of diabetes results in the destruction of pancreatic cells that produce the hormone insulin. Patients with type 1 diabetes must take daily insulin injections to survive. However, only 5% of patients fall into this category. The remaining 95%, or 19 out of 20 diabetics, have type II diabetes. Their pancreas produces enough insulin, but the body becomes “insulin resistant” and cannot use it properly. It is usually caused by obesity. Some diabetics in this category generally do not need medication if they are successful in losing weight. Previously, type 2 was called “adult”. However, since people of different age groups are more likely to be obese, type 2 diabetes can also develop in adults. Insulin allows glucose to move from the bloodstream into the body”s cells. In type 2 diabetes, this process is interrupted and blood glucose levels become abnormally high. Why does this cause problems? Let”s say you accidentally spill a Coke in a movie theater. The floor has become sticky and you need a vacuum cleaner. The same thing happens with blood vessels. Sugar makes the blood sticky and causes blood vessels to stick together. Circulatory disorders are especially dangerous in areas with the largest number of capillaries.
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This is why diabetes leads to blindness and gangrene. Diabetes can also affect nerve health. Sensitivity is reduced at the ends of the penis, clitoris and vagina. The blood supply is also interrupted. The result is sexual dysfunction.
The impact of the disease on the female genital area
First, diabetes causes problems with sexual arousal. In both men and women, sexual caresses cause blood vessels to dilate, which increases blood flow to the sexual areas. Diabetes affects both the nervous system”s ability to dilate these vessels and the blood supply to them. Another unpleasant consequence for women is vaginal dryness. Vasodilation allows some of the blood to diffuse through the capillaries into the vagina, creating natural vaginal lubrication. However, in women with diabetes, vasodilation is reduced and the capillaries do not function properly.
Dryness makes sex uncomfortable, and the situation becomes even worse when it becomes difficult to get aroused. As a result, women with diabetes experience orgasm much less often than healthy women.
Diabetes mellitus and women”s sexual health
Research by Iranian scientists
Iranian scientists interviewed 150 women with type 2 diabetes aged about 40 years. About 79% of respondents reported problems related to sexuality.
- Difficulties with arousal — 50%,
- Vaginal dryness — 47%, and
- Problems achieving orgasm — 42%.
A similar study was conducted by Dutch scientists. The results of the study showed that 70% of women with diabetes experience difficulties with sex. It is not yet entirely clear how prediabetes affects sexuality. However, elevated blood glucose levels also increase your risk of health problems.
What should I do?
First of all, you must visit your doctor regularly and follow all instructions. A low-calorie diet and exercise may help. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Engage in physical activity, such as exercise, dancing, or housework, for at least one hour a day. Here are some tips for staying sexy with diabetes:
- Stop smoking cigarettes. The combination of smoking and diabetes is a real destroyer of blood vessels. When you stop smoking, damaged blood vessels begin to repair themselves.
- Use of gel lubricants.
- Using vibrators. This can enhance erotic sensations and compensate for damage to the pubic nerves caused by diabetes.
Also, don”t neglect to consult a sex therapist. Don”t ignore this type of treatment. No one will see you having sex. Therefore, give up prejudices, because such forms are based on conversations with specially trained people.
