Sexual problems in diabetes

Diabetes mellitus causes sexual dysfunctions via autonomic neuropathy and endothelial dysfunction in the genitals, and via its effects as a chronic disease on the individual’s global health and well-being. The most commonly complained of sexual dysfunction associated with diabetes is erectile dysfunction (ED), experienced by 35–90% of men with diabetes. It is increasingly recognized that the multiple factors causing ED in men also affect sexual function in women. In a recent study, 44% of women with type 1 diabetes and 25% with type 2 diabetes had a sexual dysfunction, but diabetic women complain of problems with sex much less often than diabetic men.