The impact of diabetes mellitus on female sexual well-being.
For women, the risk for developing diabetes mellitus is reaching epidemic levels. As a result of the impact of diabetes on multiple body systems, women may suffer from medical and psychologic problems, including sexual dysfunction. It is difficult to separate sexual response from the many emotional and other contributing factors that may influence a relationship. Therefore, it is vital that clinicians address the issue of sexuality with their female diabetic patients. This article provides a brief review of the literature, followed by a discussion addressing the proper approach for sexual dysfunction screening. Finally, this article considers some of the current and future treatment modalities that can be used to enhance sexual functioning in female diabetics with impaired sexual function.
Grandjean
Cindy
C
The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA. grandjean@cua.edu
Moran
Barbara
B
D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications* / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D016387:Women's Health