icon-nav-help
Need Help

Submit your question to our team of health care professionals.

icon-nav-current-questions
Current Question

See what's on the mind of the community right now.

icon-conf-speakers-at-a-glance
Meet the Team

Learn more about our world-renowned team.

icon-nav-archives
CWD Answers Archives

Review the entire archive according to the date it was posted.

CWD_Answers_Icon
April 26, 2010

Other

advertisement
Question from San Diego, California, USA:

Where can I find a good source for answers to my daughters sex related questions? I have been looking for it and I cannot find a place where she will be able to find help for the many aspects of female sexuality that are, in one way or another, affected by diabetes.

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

This is a good question that no one has ever asked before, however, it covers a broad area and, without being more specific, I can only give you a general guideline. I assume that your daughter is sexually active. As a starting point, I would suggest that she speak with her gynecologist about her concerns particularly if she is having physical discomfort. She may be prone to recurrent yeast infections which can be treated. Bladder infections are not necessarily more frequent in women with well controlled diabetes and actually appear to be more related to the presence or absence of sexual activity. Nevertheless, some women may get bladder infections often and this can make intercourse uncomfortable. Studies are quite variable on causes of sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes. There can be both physical and/or psychological (depression being most common) issues. If the question is more practical in nature, such as options for birth control, then her gynecologist can address that as well. Thus, your question covers a lot of territory. Among the specialists available, I think that your daughter will get the information and guidance she needs.

OWJ