Factors associated with sexual function in Iranian women with type 2 diabetes mellitus: partner relationship as the most important predictor.
BACKGROUND
No comprehensive study has been conducted on risk factors of sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes mellitus.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to consider all possible influencing variables including hormonal, physical and, psychological status, socioeconomic status, and dietary intake to get more accurate and reliable results.


METHODS
Sexual function was assessed by Iranian validated female sexual function index (FSFI).The variables of the study were demographic and diabetes-related factors, stress-depression, physical activity, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, lipid profile, cortisol, sex and thyroid hormones, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, and dietary intake.


RESULTS
Among all investigated variables, partner relationship showed a strong positive association with FSFI (β = 1.93 ± 0.41, P < 0.0001). In addition, not considering partner relationship, FSFI showed a significant negative association with age (β = -0.19 ± 0.20, P = 0.04), stress-depression score (β = -0.08 ± 0.04, P = 0.04), DD (β = -0.03 ± 0.01, P = 0.04), and systolic blood pressure (β = -0.14 ± 0.06, P = 0.03). Significant associations between FSFI and serum sex hormones and other biochemical were found in neither postmenopausal nor non-menopausal women. The means of SFSI in postmenopausal women were greater than non-menopausal (P = 0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
It seems that in our population, female sexual function was much more than just a hormonal or physical problem and psychological factors, especially partner relationship and stress-depression, are the most determinants. In addition, age, duration of challenging with disease, and the lack of controlling systolic blood pressure were common factors that decreased sexual function.
Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
Zhaleh
Z
Shadman
Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
Mahdieh
M
Akhoundan
Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
Nooshin
N
Poorsoltan
Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
Bagher
B
Larijani
Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
Seyed Masoud
SM
Arzaghi
Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
Mohsen
M
Khoshniat
Blood Pressure; Diabetes Mellitus; Hormones; Psychology