Physical causes
The following can all contribute to or cause Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD):
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Blood vessel damage (atherosclerosis – narrowed arteries)
This can cause vaginal dryness and affect arousal. It can also
affect blood supply to the clitoris, affecting orgasm.
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Nerve damage (neuropathy)
This can cause reduced sensation, making arousal and orgasm more difficult.
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Endocrine disorders
Some endocrine glands produce hormones that are important for a normal sex drive. Disorders of these glands, such as the pituitary or thyroid may lead to a loss of sexual interest and function.
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Low oestrogen levels
This is more common in women with diabetes, because it can affect the parts of the body responsible for producing hormones, thereby affecting the amount of lubrication produced during arousal.
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Smoking, recreational drugs and alcohol
All of these can affect blood flow to the clitoris and interfere
with messages between the brain, the vagina and the clitoris.
Psychological factors
Stress, anxiety, poor self-image caused by lifestyle factors such as weight gain, relationship difficulties, guilt or anger about your diabetes can all cause loss of desire or arousal problems.
There is an increasingly recognised link between depression and sexual problems. It is known that people with diabetes are twice as likely to experience depression as people without. As many as one in three people with diabetes suffer a significant loss in their quality of life due to depression, and the risk is higher for women than for men.
Juggling a busy schedule with numerous clinic and doctor appointments can cause extra anxiety. Worrying about problems associated with diabetes such as injection-site disfigurement or fear of an unexpected hypo may indirectly affect your sex life. All of these worries and emotions are very common and well founded, which is why it is important to seek support.
Reviewed November 2009