Sexual Dysfunction in Young Women with Type 1 Diabetes

Introduction: Sexual dysfunctions (SD) are chronic complications that can develop due to vascular complications or autonomic neuropathy. Additionally, such complications can be of hormonal, infectious or psychogenic etiology. Objectives: The aim of study was to assess the sexual function and acceptance of the chronic disease in young sexually active women with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). Materials and methods: A total of 169 female patients with T1DM completed two standardized questionnaires, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS). Other medical data were collected from medical history. Results: The mean FSFI score was 27.96 ± 5.00, and the mean AIS score was 29.67 ± 8.28. The score < 26 points in FSFI was obtained by 28.7% of patients. Analysis of correlation between the FSFI and the AIS showed that the higher the score on the FSFI, the higher the score on the AIS. Patients who underwent regular physical activity (55%) had a significantly higher acceptance of the disease ( p = 0.0026) and reported painful intercourse significantly less frequently ( p = 0.01). The value of HbA1c in the study group was 7.31 ± 1.25%. Patients with poorer glycemic control (HbA1c > 8%) obtained significantly lower scores on the FSFI ( p = 0.03), whereas no differences were found on the AIS. Diabetes-related complications were observed in 25.5% of patients. The presence of chronic complications did not affect the results of the FSFI or the AIS. Patients with diabetes and hypertension had poorer functioning in the sexual sphere and had significantly lower scores on the FSFI. Past or present history of depression was reported by 36% of patients and also negatively affected acceptance of diabetes ( p = 0.0015). Patients who reported recurrent urinary tract infections (17%) achieved significantly lower scores on the FSFI ( p = 0.03) and showed that sex-related pain was significantly more prevalent ( p = 0.02). In the case of the statement related to the embarrassment of people around the patient due to diabetes, patients with lower scores complained of SD significantly more often ( p = 0.0033). Past deliveries, the type of labor, the use of contraceptives or the number of sexual partners had no influence on the overall assessment in both scales. However, in terms of desire, women who had delivered obtained higher scores ( p = 0.0021). Conclusion: SD in women with T1DM may result from diabetes-related complications, hormonal disorders or recurrent genital or urinary tract infections. However, they usually have a psychological basis due to the lack of acceptance of the problems related to the treatment of diabetes.