When you think of complications from diabetes, sexual dysfunction probably isn’t one of them. It isn’t something that’s talked about often, but women with diabetes are at an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. For Diabetes Awareness Month, we’re uncovering how diabetes can cause sexual dysfunction and what you can do about it.
Does Diabetes Cause Sexual Dysfunction?
Diabetes puts you at risk of sexual dysfunction because high blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves, including ones that give blood to your sexual organs. Damage to blood vessels and nerves is the cause of most sexual problems related to diabetes.
Sexual Problems That Affect Women With Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects many areas of your life. Here are some of the most common sexual problems women with diabetes experience.
Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness happens to a lot of women, causing a lack of lubrication during sex. This makes sex uncomfortable and even painful. Since diabetes affects blood flow to blood vessels and nerves, you can experience less stimulation and sensation as well.
Thrush
Thrush is a fungal infection that can happen when you have diabetes. The higher your blood sugars are, the higher the risk of getting it because high blood sugar allows the bacteria that causes thrush to grow.
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)
Although having diabetes doesn’t put you at an increased risk of getting sexually transmitted infections, if you do get one, it can cause complications. In general, having an infection can raise your blood sugar. High blood sugars can allow bacteria to grow and thrive in your body. If you are having unprotected sex, consider getting routine STI testing to keep yourself healthy.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infections are common in women and if your blood sugars are running high, it’s even easier to get one. If you are having symptoms, you’ll want to see your doctor right away for early treatment.
Emotional well-being about sex
Your emotions play a big role in how you feel about sex. Worrying about sexual dysfunction can cause stress, anxiety and worry – making you feel like you don’t want to have sex. It’s completely normal to have difficulty dealing with the emotions of sexual problems. If you need support, you can talk to a trusted healthcare provider or seek the help of a therapist to help you work through these emotions.
Ways To Stabilize Your Blood Sugar
Treating these complications of diabetes comes down to one thing – managing your blood sugar. You can manage these complications by getting your blood sugar within an appropriate range. Everyone’s blood sugar goal will be different, so it’s important to create a personalized goal with your doctor.
Here are some lifestyle changes you can make to get your blood sugar down to an appropriate range.
Diet
If you have diabetes, eating a healthy diet is probably a topic your doctor routinely discusses. That’s because it is one of the most important things you can do to control your diabetes, but it’s also one of the hardest.
If you try to make all the recommended changes in one day, you’ll likely feel overwhelmed and give up. Try making one small change a week to increase the likelihood that you’ll create long-term changes.
Here are some ways to help manage your diet:
- Choose the right carbs: Complex carbs like fruits, vegetables and whole grains are much better for you and give you more fiber
- Avoid processed foods and sugar
- Eat regularly
- Avoid sugary beverages
Exercise
When you exercise, your muscles use sugar for energy, so regular exercise helps your body use insulin better. Exercising can also help you maintain a healthy weight, improving your blood sugar.
Alcohol
Alcohol can make nerve damage worse, increasing complications from diabetes. Alcohol can also lower your blood sugar which can be dangerous if you experience large swings in blood sugar. Since women metabolize alcohol differently than men, it’s recommended that women have one alcoholic drink per day. You should talk to your doctor to see if having an occasional drink is right for you.
Pay attention to your menstrual cycle
Changes in your hormone levels the week before and during your period can cause changes in blood sugar levels. Keep track of your blood sugars during this time and see if you notice a pattern. If so, talk with your doctor about it and devise a plan for treating blood sugars during your period.
Be aware of menopause symptoms
Symptoms of menopause like vaginal dryness, frequent urination, mood swings and brain fog, can be confused with low blood sugar. You can check your blood sugars more often to determine if what you’re experiencing is menopause symptoms or your blood sugar. Consider doing this before you treat a low blood sugar because if your blood sugar is within a normal range (or high), you don’t want to do anything that can raise it.
Manage stress
Experiencing stress can raise hormone levels that increase your blood sugar. When you’re stressed, it’s important to keep close track of your blood sugars and see if you notice any patterns.
Learning relaxing techniques and better stress management can help keep your blood sugar within range. If needed, talk with a therapist who can help teach you stress-relieving techniques that work for you.
You’re Not Alone
Women with diabetes are at an increased risk of sexual dysfunction, but you’re not alone. Many women experience this, and you shouldn’t suffer in silence. It’s not easy, but talking about your experience can help you get the help you need. You can try the techniques discussed in this article, but if you need extra support, talk to your doctor about it.
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