Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Sexual Function in Women

Kim, Hey Young; Park, Kwang Sung; So, Hyang Sook

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction has long been well-recognized as a diabetic complication in men, whereas the findings in women have been controversial. Fifty-nine diabetic women who attended outpatient Department of C university hospital and K hospital were surveyed from July 31 to September 16 in 2000. Subjects were asked to complete a questionnaire including BISF-W. The range of score of sexual function was 18-90 with an average of 48.3. The score of sexual function was significantly higher at younger age, in shorter marriage year, in higher monthly income, with higher sexual concern and in higher sexual activities. Furthermore, the sexual function of diabetic women with hypertension was significantly lower than that of diabetic women without hypertension. The sexual function of non-menopausal diabetic women was significantly higher than that of menopausal diabetic women. Also, it was found that the sexual function was significantly low in diabetic women with two or more neural complications. Taken together, the predictors to explain the score of sexual function were sexual activities, hypertension, menopause, sexual concern and income. Therefore, based on factors found to be affected to the sexual function, it is necessary for medical team to intervene appropriately by teaching or counselling to improve the quality of life in diabetic women.