We continue combating Diabetes in Women’s Life. As a next chapter of our campaign ‘Stand as a Sugar Pot’ in association with Baidyanath Chyawanprash Sugarfree Chyawan Vit, we will talk about diabetes and sexual dysfunction.

When sex with a partner is not pleasurable for a woman with diabetes, sexual dysfunction is most likely the cause. There are many different factors involved in the sexual well-being of women with diabetes… many stresses that could interfere with a satisfying experience. Some of the major problems include:

Physical problems

These are problems that relate to the sexual act itself such as reduced sex drive, reduced pleasure from sex, lack of vaginal lubrication, lack of pleasurable sensations, reduced ability to experience an orgasm, or painful sex.

Psychological problems

Diabetes may lead to psychological effects such as loss of a positive selfimage, loss of self-esteem, feelings of unattractiveness: concern about weight gain, negative body image; stress of dealing with a chronic disease: depression, anxiety, worry; or loneliness and isolation. All of these may affect a woman’s sexual well-being.

Unfortunately, many women do not realize that this may be a complication of diabetes and is treatable. Don’t feel disheartened and don’t accept this as the given. Don’t feel embarrassed. It is a matter of your health and happy fulfilling relationships. Talk to your partner. Let him show you support. Here, few treatments that can improve your sexual life:

Lubricants: In those women who suffer from a lack of lubrication or from painful sexual intercourse, consider using a vaginal lubricant as a part of your sexual foreplay.

Manual Aids: For others who suffer from lack of vaginal sensation or a reduction in the ability to experience an orgasm, the use of manual aids — masturbation, oral-genital stimulation and manual stimulation of the clitoris — may be helpful. Allow plenty of time for
touching, caressing, and romancing. Discuss with your partner different ways to be intimate and share those things that give you pleasure.

Oral Medications: Use of the male impotence pill, Viagra (sildenafil), has been investigated and some data suggests that it may be helpful to women who suffer with lubrication and vaginal sensitivity problems; or if you are taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as Oxitin, Pari, Paradise or Paritin for depression these medications may affect your libido; talk to your healthcare professional about your options.

Women who do not have adequate levels of circulating estrogen—such as in the post-menopause period—may find hormone replacement therapy to be helpful, but consideration of cardiac risk is important.

Women with diabetes have a more restricted choice of contraception since the oral contraceptive pill carries a slightly increased risk of blood clots. You should discuss methods of contraception with your medical practitioner.

Top tips to help manage sexual dysfunction

Get help. Sexual health is important to your physical and psychological well-being. There are treatments available. Don’t shy away from discussion.

• Control your blood glucose as effectively as possible.
• Talk with your partner, and work together to improve your communication.
• If it is clear that there is a strong psychological connection to the problem, then seeing a psychosexual therapist can be very rewarding. Ask your healthcare professional for assistance in finding one in your area.
• Make sure that your blood pressure and cholesterol are managed effectively.
• Do not smoke.
• Have tablespoonful of Sugarfree Chyawan Vit twice daily. It will help improve your stamina, strengthen immunity, maintain urinary system, nourish brain and nerves.

Share with us your diabetes victories and stand with your family as a Sugar pot!