Female sexual dysfunction
Treatment
Before any treatment is considered, your doctor may wish to carry out a physical examination, check your weight and blood pressure, take a blood sample to check your hormone levels and test your urine for abnormalities such as glucose or protein.
Although there are some treatments available, the options for women experiencing FSD is very limited.
Psychosexual therapy
Psychosexual therapy (also known as sex therapy) can help. This type of therapy is carried out by a counsellor who has had specialised training and who will work with you to help you to overcome sexual difficulties. It may also open up communication and help to ease any tension in your relationship.
Relaxation
Tiredness and stress can prevent a woman from feeling sexually aroused. Learning to relax, and taking time to focus on personal needs, can help to restore normal sexual functioning. There are different techniques you may choose from such as massage, aromatherapy, deep breathing or music.
Lifestyle management
Being overweight, smoking and excessive alcohol can lead to poor blood glucose control and this can impact on FSD.
Excessive weight means that any insulin produced may be lost due to a lot of layers of fat. This leads to insulin resistance causing raised blood glucose levels, which in turn can lead to nerve or blood vessel damage.
Smoking causes a reduction in blood flow to the clitoris causing problems in stimulation and readiness for intercourse.
Excessive alcohol affects the nervous system and interferes with the signals from the pituitary gland and the genitalia. It can also reduce the levels of oestrogen ‘sex’ hormones in the body.
Medication
At present there are no drugs specifically for the treatment of FSD.
Vacuum device
This is a device which is fixed onto the clitoris. When the vacuum is created it encourages blood flow and lubrication to the genitalia and vagina. If you think this will help, talk to your doctor as it may be possible to get it on prescription.
What might my doctor ask me?
As this is a very personal problem, you may feel embarrassed to talk about it. It might be useful to make a list of the sort of things you want to explain or have explained before your consultation.
You may or may not want your partner to be present – it is your decision.
You have the right to ask to see a female doctor if that would make it easier for you.
The doctor will be listening to try to pinpoint what might be causing your sexual dysfunction. You may be asked some or all of the following questions, so try to be honest and add anything which you feel may be helpful.
Are you taking any medications?
Are you suffering from depression or stress?
Have you recently had a baby?
Do you feel tired all the time?
Do you have vaginal dryness?
Do you feel uncomfortable or experience pain during sex?
Do you have recurrent infections, especially thrush or urine infections?
Is there a problem in your relationship with your partner?
Do you feel embarrassed by the sex act?
Do you have a poor self image?
Have you suffered sexual or physical abuse?
The first group of questions may link directly to your diabetes; the second group is more general.