Sexual Health for Women
Why is sexual health important?
Sexuality is an important part of out life. It is more than
the act of sex.
Having diabetes can affect a person's sexuality. It may be
hard to tell someone that you have diabetes for fear you will loose
that relationship. It can affect family roles. For
example, if a woman is not able to work at her usual job or at home,
she may feel
she is not doing his part as a wife or mother. If the
diabetes meal plan means a change in the family food habits, the
person with diabetes may feel unhappy or guilty.
Diabetes can also cause problems with sexual function.
How does diabetes affect sexual health?
Some women who have nerve damage form the diabetes may have
trouble having an orgasm or find it takes longer. Some will
have dryness in the vagina, especially after menopause. This
can cause pain with sex. Lubricants like K-Y Jelly can help.
Women with diabetes will have more vaginal yeast infections.
This will cause pain, itching and a discharge. Untreated
vaginal infections can cause higher blood sugar.
How does diabetes affect my menstrual periods?
Some women find they have more irregular periods if their blood
sugar is out of range.
Blood sugar levels can change around the time of your period.
Estrogen and progesterone hormones can interfere with the action of
insulin. Just before the period these hormones go up and
this can cause higher blood sugar levels. During your period
these hormones go down and this can lead to lower blood sugar.
You may need to adjust your meal plan or your medications or your
activity around your period to compensate for this.
How does diabetes affect menopause?
At menopause your estrogen and progesterone levels get lower and
you stop having periods. This can cause your blood sugar
levels to change.
Menopause will cause other changes in your body. Most women
will have hot flashes, and a fast heart eat at times. It is
important not to confuse this with low blood sugar reactions.
Test your blood sugar before you treat for a hypoglycemic reaction.
You might also notice mood changes with menopause. The
hormone changes can affect your calcium and bones.
Is pregnancy safe for women with diabetes?
Yes, but it will require much more intensive monitoring of your
blood sugar and overall health. You might want to see your
gynecologist for some suggestions even before you become pregnant.