Sex and contraception

Don’t worry, diabetes doesn’t stop you having sex, but there are a few things to think about.

If you have a new partner, it’s up to you when you tell them about your diabetes. But if you’re planning to make the relationship a bit more permanent, it’s probably best to tell your partner sooner rather than later.

Thrush

You might find that you get thrush from time to time. This is a common fungal infection that causes genital itching and discharge in women, but in men there’s generally no symptoms. It’s more likely to happen if your blood glucose levels are high, so try to keep your diabetes under control.

You can get a prescription for a cream, pessary or tablet to treat it - like all prescriptions it’s free to under 18s and people who take insulin. But it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from your doctor. It’s worth treating your partner as well - thrush can easily be passed backwards and forwards.

STI’s

If you’re having sex, then there is a risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI) but you can help reduce this risk. First of all, make sure you always use a condom, whatever other form of contraception you’re using, as this will help protect you against STI’s.

You can get condoms free from a number of places - your local sexual health or Genito-urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic, your local family planning clinic or your practice nurse. Or you can buy them from chemists and supermarkets.

Another option is for both you and your partner to have a test for STI’s before you start having sex. You can get this done at your local GUM or sexual health clinic, and your visit will be kept confidential.

If you do get an STI, most of the time they are easily treated, but if ignored they can have serious consequences, and of course you may pass it on to your partner. So it is a good idea to get yourself checked out if you think you have any worries.

Common STI’s include:

• Chlamidia
• Genital herpes / warts
• Gonorrhoea
• Syphalis
• Hepatits A, B or C
• HIV / AIDS

For more information about the symptoms and treatment of STI’s, see www.fpa.org.uk

Contraception

All forms of contraception are suitable for people with diabetes. There’s a bit of a myth that women with diabetes can’t take the Pill but it’s not true - women with diabetes are susceptible to the same - but no higher - risks (eg high blood pressure, thrombosis, etc.) than any other woman who goes on the Pill.
Below is a summary of the main contraception methods, but make sure you talk to your nurse / doctor about what’s a good choice for you.