Nearly a quarter of all women with diabetes will experience a sexual side effect at some point in their lives. This doesn’t mean that all diabetics can’t have a great sex life: on the contrary, with a little forethought (and foreplay?), sex can be great and safe for people with diabetes.
Most women with diabetes will already have noticed that their blood sugar level changes before and after their period. The menstrual cycle affects blood glucose cycling, and as such, it should be monitored more closely during and around your period.
Sex has two main components: a physical component and a mental or emotional component. Because diabetes can have both physical and emotional effects, keep both in mind when trying to improve your sex life.
Building a solid relationship between both members of the couple is key to having a good emotional attitude for sex. Some women with diabetes want to be independent with their treatment – that’s a good thing. However, it is also important to keep her partner informed and educate her about diabetes so that she feels included in her life. On the other hand, some women feel repressed by partners who constantly tell them what they can and cannot do because of their diabetes. You can also address this with your partner. Finding a good balance between independence and confidence will help you have the foundation for the sex you need.
One of the possible physical side effects of diabetes is neuropathy. This means that the nerves that go to the vagina can be damaged. This can lead to vaginal dryness, making intercourse less enjoyable and sometimes even painful. Fortunately, vaginal dryness can be easily treated with a lubricant available at any drugstore. Use a special lubricant for sex because trying to lubricate with other things like Vaseline or water can cause small tears or damage to the vagina (which could lead to an infection).
Poor vaginal lubrication can also be treated with hormone therapy. If your vaginal dryness is caused by low hormone levels, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about taking a hormone supplement (sometimes these are oral or topical). Although it used to be thought that women with diabetes could not use hormones, it has now been discovered that hormones do not affect blood sugar and that you can find a dose of hormones that fits into your diabetes management routine.
Women with diabetes, especially after menopause, may be at increased risk of yeast infections, which can make sex less desirable. To prevent yeast infections, regulate your blood sugar level. Wash regularly (but don’t shower). You may also consider hormone replacement therapy.
If you find that your sex life is negatively affected because you no longer want to have sex, consider talking to your partner or a professional. The anxiety or depression that sometimes affects people with diabetes can be difficult to overcome, especially in bed.
Some doctors advise their patients to check their blood pressure before and after sex. This can help women know if they are having an orgasm or if they have low blood sugar. Orgasms and low blood sugar can have similar symptoms, and some women have trouble pinpointing the source of their heart palpitations and sweating. Keep some life preservers with your condoms and lube, to help you practice safe sex with diabetes.