Sexual Dysfunction among Women Living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Diabetes mellitus is known to have multisystemic affectation including sexual dysfunction. The effect of diabetes on female sexual function is well documented globally but underreported in our study environment. Hence, this study attempted to fill this gap in knowledge by evaluating the sexual function of women living with diabetes in Uyo, Southern Nigeria. Methods: This was a crossectional descriptive study conducted in the Endocrinology Clinic of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. A total of 150 participants consisting of 100 diabetes patients and 50 controls were interviewed using the female sexual function Index questionnaire. They were physically examined and blood samples taken for laboratory investigations. Data obtained was analysed using descriptive/comparative statistics. Results: Among the diabetics, 62% had sexual dysfunction compared to 8% of the controls(p<0.001).The diabetics had a median total sexual function score of 9.25(2.15-26.6), compared to 28.15(27.1-29) for the controls ( p < 0.001). The diabetics with normal sexual function had a mean HBA1c of 7.08+/-0.27 compared to 8.37+/-0.73 for diabetics with abnormal sexual function( t=9.65,def=98,p<0.001). The total sexual function score of diabetics was negatively related to glycated haemoglobin (rho=-0.88,p<0.001). ). Diabetics with DM duration of 10 years and more were 2.87 times significantly more likely to have poor sexual function(p=0.02; 95%CI 1.20-6.83 ). Glycated haemoglobin was shown to be a strong predictor of female sexual function(OR= 228.15, p<0.001). Conclusion:There is a high prevalence of female sexual dysfunction among diabetics. Prolonged duration of diabetes and poor glycaemic control are the most likely reasons for this finding.