Sexual dysfunction in patients with diabetes

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction is more common in men with diabetes than in age- matched nondiabetic control groups. Women with diabetes probably have similar rate of dysfunction. The article by Zweifler et al brings attention to a problem that primary care providers are uniquely qualified to handle. Because 90 percent of patients with diabetes are cared for by family physicians and primary care internists, they will be the first who diagnose any associated sexual dysfunction and should be the first to treat it. We are dealing with a disease for which natural history is now well known, and our goal, when possible, should be directed toward prevention.