Diabetes and Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes can produce various sexual dysfunctions in both men and women. Prevalence of sexual dysfunction is 25~75% in type 2 diabetes, which is three times that of the general population. As hyperglycemia persists, atherosclerosis progresses, and macrovascular and microvascular complications can occur. Autonomic neuropathy and hypogonadism are principal causes of various sexual dysfunctions such as erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation, and premature ejaculation in males and loss of libido, vaginal dryness, anorgasmia, and dyspareunia in females. Although erectile dysfunction is reversible in early stages, it is more difficult to control as diabetes and associated autonomic dysfunction and microvascular complications progress. Sexual dysfunction can decrease quality of life in type 2 diabetes patients and is a marker of vascular dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction has prognostic value for cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes. This illustrates the importance of sexual function evaluation in type 2 diabetes patients.