Title:Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women with Diabetes: A Reflection of their Complications?
Volume: 18
Issue: 1
Author(s): Andrea Sansone, Daniele Mollaioli, Giacomo Ciocca, Erika Limoncin, Elena Colonnello and Emmanuele A. Jannini*
Affiliation:
- Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma,Italy
Keywords:
Diabetes, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, female sexual dysfunction, hypogonadism, PDE5 inhibitors, testosterone.
Abstract: Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM), one of the worldwide leading causes of death, is
associated with a plethora of micro- and macro-vascular complications which should be carefully
investigated and, in case, treated in order to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of premature
mortality.
Objective: The study aimed to investigate and report current evidence with regard to the association
between sexual dysfunction and diabetes.
Methods: A detailed analysis of current literature has been performed on PubMed and Scholar in
order to retrieve the most relevant findings pertaining to the study topic.
Results: Female and male sexual dysfunction often occurs in diabetes; while cardiovascular complications
are clearly involved, psychosexological factors, endocrine complications, and endothelial
dysfunction all contribute to the pathogenesis of sexual dysfunctions. Psychological symptoms are
seldom investigated, yet they should not be overlooked by the clinician; in fact, an interplay between
sexual dysfunctions and depressive symptoms has been reported, and beneficial effects in
both conditions might be obtained by adequate psychological support. Sexual dysfunctions can also
act as early biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, a phenomenon frequently reported in men, in
which erectile dysfunction predicts the development of coronary artery disease. Additionally, drug
therapies can act in both directions, with treatments for diabetes possibly improving male sexual
function and exerting beneficial effects for cardiovascular health being reported for pro-erectile
drugs.
Conclusion: Sexual dysfunctions often occur in men and women with diabetes. Investigating micro-
and macro-vascular complications might not be enough to prevent the development or worsening
of any sexual dysfunction; endocrine and psychological assessments are therefore needed to
provide the best chances for adequate treatment.
