Sexual dysfunction and diabetes

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is common in men with diabetes. Diabetic men are three times as likely to develop ED as non-diabetic men. The cause is multifactorial, but most commonly reflects endothelial dysfunction and autonomic neuropathy. Diabetes and vascular disease often coexist and ED may be a marker for silent occlusive arterial disease, for which the patient should be screened. Many men still do not volunteer their problem, hence, routine questioning by health care professionals is an important part of the overall management because of the deleterious effect of ED on relationships, self-esteem and quality of life. Treatment is effective in the majority and all options should be considered, beginning with the much preferred oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil). Female Sexual Dysfunction or Disorder (FSD) is more difficult to define and specific studies in diabetics are limited. Problems with arousal, lubrication and orgasmic dysfunction occur, but the fatigue of diabetes may be influencing these complaints, and in general, psychological issues appear to predominate.