Assessing the impact of diabetes on female sexuality

Sexual dysfunction in men is well recognised but the effects of diabetes on women's sexual health is less researched and understood. Few women seek help for sexual problems and yet effective treatments may be available. Some genito-urinary diseases are more common in diabetes and the community nurse should consider this as part of the patient's assessment. Women with diabetes should be given appropriate advice on pregnancy. Community nurses have a major role to play in helping women with diabetes to talk freely about their sexuality and sexual health problems.