Major Sexual Function Domains Affected in the Diabetic Females: A Cross-sectional Study from North India

Diabetes adversely affects sexual health with its negative consequences on well-being in both males and females. Literature is scanty regarding female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in diabetic women, furthermore reported literature is lacking regarding the differential impact on different domains of sexual health, especially in Indian females. In the present analysis, we aim to study the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions in diabetic women as well as different domains affected by diabetes.

This cross-sectional study was carried out at a tertiary care teaching centre in North India over a duration of 6 months (January 2021 to June 2021). A total of 100 married females were enrolled including 50 diabetics and 50 healthy non-diabetic females. All the participants were subjected to a validated female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire for sexual function assessment.

FSD was seen in 35 diabetic females (70%) with desire being the most affected domain (92%) in comparison to 15 healthy subjects (30%) with an overall mean FSFI of 23.5 in diabetics and 29.2 in the control group. Mean FSFI in diabetic females with sexual dysfunction was 21.04 ± 9. All domains of FSFI were affected significantly (P value < 0.05) in the diabetic group in comparison to the control group except for the satisfaction domain. There was no significant association of different domains of FSFI seen with the duration of diabetes and other comorbidities. A significant association of arousal and pain domain was seen with the glycaemic (HbA1C) index (P value-0.006 and 0.031, respectively).

Females with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction affecting all domains. Glycosylated haemoglobin is associated independently with arousal and pain domains of FSFI as well as desire being the most affected domain, although further randomized studies with larger sample sizes are needed to authenticate our findings. To improve the quality of life of diabetic females, clinicians should focus on this aspect also while treating diabetes.