Twenty-five per cent of all women with diabetes and about fifty per cent of male diabetics will experience some kind of sexual problems or loss of sexual desire as a result of their condition. Male diabetics may suffer from impotence and be unable to get or maintain an erection.
Some men only discover that they are diabetic when they seek treatment for their impotence.
Once their diabetes has been regulated through diet, pills or insulin injections, their sexual problems usually disappear and the ability to have an erection is restored. A number of female diabetics may suffer from recurring vaginitis which will make intercourse painful. They may suffer itching or burning sensations. Female diabetics may also get recurring cystitis . Anyone who is diabetic and feels that this has caused problems with their sex life should discuss it with their doctor.