Causes

Medication

There are many different types of medications used by women with diabetes which can interfere with different aspects of sexual functioning.

These include:

  • Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors
  • Lipid-lowering agents
  • Beta-blockers (used to treat blood pressure and circulation problems)
  • Calcium channel blockers (used to treat heart and circulatory problems, including hypertension and angina)
  • Thiazide diuretics (used to treat hypertension)
  • Cimetidine (used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers)
  • Digoxin (brand name Lanoxin; used to treat heart failure and other problems)
  • Phenytoin (brand name Dilantin; used to treat epilepsy)
  • Oral oestrogens (used in hormone replacement therapy – HRT -  to treat symptoms of the menopause)
  • Progesterones (used in birth-control pills, HRT and to treat infertility, abnormal uterine bleeding and pre-menstrual syndrome)
  • Benzodiazepines (group of medicines used to treat a range of conditions, including: anxiety; insomnia; muscle spasms; convulsive disorders, including epilepsy; and alcohol withdrawal symptoms).

For information on getting further help and support, see our psychological and getting support pages.