A diagnosis of diabetes can have a wide impact on one’s life as dietary restrictions and swift lifestyle changes are often necessary for survival. One of the most frustrating implications are the sexual and emotional issues that may affect your intimate relationship and self-esteem. The American Diabetes Association acknowledges that these are real issues that often lead to “depression, anxiety, stress, fatigue, poor communication or conflict with your partner.”
Healthline explains that there are problems with sexual health seen in both men and women with type 2 diabetes. They often see a decrease in libido due to side effects from their medications. There are also issues with diabetic neuropathy which is “a type of nerve damage associated with diabetes that can cause sexual issues. Numbness, pain, or lack of feeling can also occur in the genitals. This can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED).” Men can experience retrograde ejaculation in which semen is ejaculated into the bladder instead of outside of the penis. For women, the most common issue is vaginal dryness but women with diabetes are also more prone to vaginal infections and inflammation and thus experience more painful intercourse. They are also more likely to suffer more urinary tract infections (UTIs) and more incontinence during sex.
Consult your healthcare provider about your best diabetic treatment options. To schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider at any of our convenient Primary Medical Care Center community clinics, you may visit our website at www.primarymed.com, or call (305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic, or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/sex-health#issues-specific-to-women
https://www.diabetes.org/resources/men/sexual-implications-emotional-health