Sexual counselling of diabetic impotence

A study of 54 diabetic men was conducted to determine the incidence of impotence, the nature of the sexual counselling they received, and their referral routes. Health providers associated with diabetes care also were interviewed to determine how they perceived professional responsibility for counselling about sexual dysfunctions in their clients. In the diabetic men studied, 48.1% had experienced primary impotence and 16.7% secondary impotence. Only 11.5% of the diabetic men received any sexual counselling, which each had initiated because of their personal concerns. Generally neither information about sexual dysfunctions nor even anticipatory warnings were given by members of the care-giving team. A discussion of impotence including etiology for the diabetic patient and sexual therapy as it relates to patient counselling is explored. Inclusion of this type of counselling for the male diabetic can contribute to continuity of care.