Talking With Your Doctor About Sexual Health and Diabetes

Sexual health goes beyond fertility, reproduction, and dysfunction. It encompasses all of our physical, emotional, mental and social experiences related to sexuality. Sexual health is fundamental to our well-being at every stage of life. 

Diabetes can have a direct effect on our sexual health – both physically and mentally. Because of this it’s important we understand how diabetes interacts with our sexual health. It’s a relationship that’s not often talked about, but it needs to be. Especially in the doctor’s office.

Sexual Health Defined

Sexual health encompasses knowing your body, understanding your feelings, and making healthy choices. It also includes taking a positive and respectful approach to sexuality that is free from violence, stigma, and coercion. 

As the body grows and ages, reproductive organs mature and sexual feelings emerge. Knowing what to expect as these processes unfold (based on reliable medical and scientific information) gives us a solid foundation for understanding our experiences and the potential pleasures and risks we face.

As with every other aspect of our health, the choices we make and the environments we’re exposed to will have an impact on our sexual health. Understanding the interactions between diabetes and our sexual health will help us make healthier choices.

Diabetes Impacts on Sexual Health

How well diabetes is managed has a direct impact on a person’s sexual health.

Physically, diabetes affects the vascular system. Elevated glucose levels disrupt blood circulation and can lead to nerve damage. This, in turn, can lead to specific, diagnosable conditions related to sexual function, including erectile dysfunction (ED). These effects can also leave people with diabetes more vulnerable to infections in their urinary tract and reproductive systems.

Psychologically, the depression and anxiety that sometimes accompany diabetes can also disrupt sexual function and enjoyment. These feelings sap a person’s energy, draining away their interest in everyday things, including intimacy.

It’s important that people with diabetes be aware that they are more vulnerable to certain ailments related to sexual health.

Women with diabetes can be more likely to experience:

• Vaginal dryness
• Low sexual desire
• Painful intercourse
• Yeast infections
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Elevated glucose levels during pregnancy

Men with diabetes can be more likely to experience:

• Low testosterone
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Penile curvature (Peyronie’s disease)
• Retrograde ejaculation
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Fertility issues

Diabetes doesn’t automatically lead to experiencing these conditions. However, being aware of the possibility makes it easier to know what signs to look for and how to address any symptoms early on. To be able to do this sexual health has to be part of our ongoing discussions with our partners and our healthcare providers.

Include Sexual Health in Conversations with Your Doctor

Talking about sexual health matters can feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. This is why we often avoid the topic. But the potential impact of diabetes on your sexual and overall health makes it too important to ignore.

At first you might not be sure how to bring up the topic with your healthcare providers. There are a number of related issues you can use as a bridge. These include family planning, menopause, and aging in general.

Your sexual health needs to be part of your regular conversations with your healthcare providers. Share any concerns you have. Ask questions. As with any other aspect of your health, they are here to help you get and stay healthy – not to shame or judge you.

Only by having these important conversations can you ensure that you maintain your sexual health with diabetes.