Sex With Diabetes: 7 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Sex Life

Diabetes can affect many parts of the body, and sexual health is one area that does not always receive enough attention.

For women, diabetes may be associated with changes in sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and comfort during intercourse.

However, having diabetes does not mean that a woman will automatically experience sexual problems.

Some women with diabetes have no noticeable changes in their sex life, while others may experience one or several sexual difficulties.

The relationship between diabetes and sexual health is complex because blood glucose levels, vascular health, nerve function, hormonal changes, medications, mental health and diabetes-related stress can all play a role.

The American Diabetes Association specifically recommends that healthcare professionals ask women with diabetes or prediabetes about sexual health, including libido, arousal and orgasm difficulties. (American Diabetes Association, 2026)

Can Diabetes Affect Your Sex Life?

Yes, diabetes can affect sexual health in some women.

Research has associated diabetes with a higher likelihood of female sexual dysfunction compared with women without diabetes.

However, the extent of the association varies considerably between studies.

Sexual difficulties can involve different parts of the sexual response, including:

• Sexual desire
• Sexual arousal
• Vaginal lubrication
• Orgasm
• Sexual satisfaction
• Pain during intercourse

A 2021 review found that women with diabetes experience sexual dysfunction more frequently than women without diabetes and highlighted lubrication problems, painful sex and difficulty reaching orgasm among the issues that may occur. (Winkley et al. 2021)

Does Diabetes Lower Sex Drive?

It can, but diabetes does not automatically reduce sexual desire.

Low libido can result from several overlapping factors.

For example, a woman may experience reduced desire because of:

• Persistent fatigue
• Stress related to diabetes management
• Depression or anxiety
• Pain during intercourse
• Hormonal changes
• Poor sleep
• Relationship difficulties
• Concerns about body image
• Other medical conditions

This means that simply blaming low libido on blood glucose levels may overlook other treatable factors.

Can Diabetes Cause Vaginal Dryness?

Yes.

Vaginal dryness can occur in women with diabetes and may contribute to discomfort during sexual activity.

Adequate lubrication is an important part of comfortable intercourse.

When lubrication is reduced, friction can increase and penetration may become uncomfortable or painful.

Diabetes-related factors may interact with hormonal changes, particularly around menopause, making vaginal symptoms more noticeable.

The American Diabetes Association recommends screening postmenopausal women with diabetes or prediabetes for symptoms such as vaginal dryness and dyspareunia. (American Diabetes Association, 2026)

Can Diabetes Cause Pain During Sex?

It can contribute to sexual discomfort in some women.

Pain during intercourse may be related to inadequate lubrication, vaginal changes, infections or other pelvic and gynecological conditions.

Diabetes can also increase the risk of certain infections, which may make sexual activity uncomfortable.

However, painful sex should not automatically be attributed to diabetes.

Persistent pain deserves an evaluation to identify the actual cause.

Can Diabetes Affect Sexual Arousal?

Yes, some women with diabetes experience difficulty becoming sexually aroused.

Arousal involves both physical and psychological processes.

Changes in blood flow, nerve function, hormonal health and genital response may influence physical arousal, while anxiety, depression, diabetes distress and relationship concerns can influence psychological arousal.

These factors can also reinforce each other.

For example, if intercourse has become painful, a woman may become anxious before sexual activity.

That anxiety can make it harder to relax and become aroused, potentially reducing lubrication and making intercourse even less comfortable.

Can Diabetes Affect Orgasm?

It can.

Some women with diabetes report difficulty reaching orgasm or changes in orgasmic response.

However, orgasmic difficulties are not necessarily caused by diabetes alone.

Factors such as medications, hormonal changes, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, pelvic-floor problems and previous sexual experiences can also contribute.

This is why sexual-health assessment should look at the whole person rather than focusing only on diabetes.

Does High Blood Sugar Affect Sex?

Poorly controlled blood glucose can contribute to several problems that may indirectly or directly interfere with sexual health.

Persistent hyperglycemia can be associated with complications affecting nerves and blood vessels.

Diabetes-related complications can therefore become one factor influencing sexual function.

However, one episode of elevated blood glucose does not mean that a woman will suddenly develop sexual dysfunction.

Sexual health is influenced by longer-term health and multiple interacting factors.

Can Low Blood Sugar Affect Sex?

Yes, indirectly.

Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as:

• Shakiness
• Sweating
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Rapid heartbeat
• Anxiety

Experiencing these symptoms during intimacy can obviously interrupt sexual activity.

Some women may also worry about experiencing low blood glucose during sex, particularly if they use insulin or other glucose-lowering medications.

That anxiety itself can interfere with relaxation and sexual enjoyment.

Can Diabetes Affect Vaginal Lubrication?

Yes.

Lubrication difficulties are one of the sexual problems reported among women with diabetes.

Reduced lubrication can make penetration less comfortable and may contribute to a cycle of friction, irritation and pain.

If vaginal dryness is persistent, it is worth discussing with a healthcare professional because the cause may involve diabetes, menopause, medications, hormonal changes or another condition.

Can Diabetes Cause Recurrent Vaginal Infections That Affect Sex?

Women with diabetes may be more vulnerable to certain genital infections, particularly when blood glucose is not well controlled.

A vaginal infection can cause symptoms such as:

• Itching
• Burning
• Irritation
• Abnormal discharge
• Redness
• Pain during intercourse

When these symptoms are present, sex may become uncomfortable or undesirable.

If infections repeatedly occur, it is important to discuss them with a healthcare professional rather than repeatedly treating symptoms without identifying contributing factors.

Can Diabetes Affect Sexual Satisfaction?

It can.

Sexual satisfaction is broader than whether intercourse occurs or whether orgasm is achieved.

A woman may experience reduced sexual satisfaction because of:

• Pain
• Dryness
• Low desire
• Difficulty becoming aroused
• Difficulty reaching orgasm
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Diabetes-related stress
• Relationship concerns

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found an association between diabetes and reduced female sexual-function scores, although the researchers also emphasized substantial variation between studies. (Tandoğan et al. 2026)

Can Diabetes Affect Sexual Health Even If You Feel Fine Otherwise?

Yes.

Sexual dysfunction can sometimes be overlooked because a woman may have no obvious symptoms of other diabetes complications.

Sexual problems can also be embarrassing to discuss, meaning some women may never mention them during routine diabetes appointments.

This is one reason current diabetes care specifically encourages healthcare professionals to ask about sexual health rather than waiting for patients to bring it up themselves.

Does the Type of Diabetes Matter?

Possibly.

Sexual difficulties have been reported in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The mechanisms and associated risk factors may differ between individuals, and factors such as diabetes duration, complications, age, metabolic health and psychological well-being can influence sexual function.

Research in women with type 1 diabetes has found an increased prevalence of sexual dysfunction, although estimates vary substantially across studies. (Zhang et al. 2023)

Does Diabetes Affect Sex After Menopause?

It can.

Menopause itself can cause changes in estrogen levels that may lead to vaginal dryness, reduced lubrication and discomfort during intercourse.

When diabetes is also present, these issues may become part of a broader sexual-health picture.

This is why postmenopausal women with diabetes who experience vaginal dryness or painful sex should discuss their symptoms rather than assuming that discomfort is simply an unavoidable part of aging.

Can Diabetes Affect Sexual Health Without Causing Pain?

Yes.

Sexual dysfunction does not always involve painful intercourse.

A woman may instead notice:

• Less sexual desire
• Difficulty becoming aroused
• Reduced lubrication
• Difficulty reaching orgasm
• Reduced sexual satisfaction

In some women, these changes may occur without any pelvic pain.

Is Sexual Dysfunction in Women With Diabetes Common?

It appears to be relatively common, although reported rates vary significantly depending on the population studied and how sexual dysfunction is defined.

A 2026 meta-analysis involving 9,532 women with diabetes estimated a pooled prevalence of sexual dysfunction of approximately 53%,

while also identifying factors such as diabetes duration, depression, diabetic complications and neuropathy as associated factors. (Zhang et al. 2026)

The wide variation between studies is important: a prevalence estimate does not mean that every woman with diabetes will experience sexual dysfunction.

Should You Talk to Your Doctor About Sex and Diabetes?

Yes.

You do not need to wait until a sexual problem becomes severe before mentioning it.

Consider speaking with your healthcare professional if you notice:

• Persistent low sexual desire
• Difficulty becoming aroused
• Vaginal dryness
• Pain during sex
• Difficulty reaching orgasm
• Recurrent genital infections
• Sexual problems that are affecting your relationship
• Anxiety surrounding sexual activity
• A sudden change in sexual function

Sexual health is part of overall health, and many contributing factors can be evaluated and treated.

How Can Diabetes Affect Sexual Function?

Diabetes can influence sexual function through several pathways rather than through one single mechanism.

Long-term metabolic changes may affect blood vessels and nerves, while hormonal changes, medications, psychological stress and diabetes-related complications can also contribute.

This means two women with the same type of diabetes can have completely different sexual experiences.

One woman may notice vaginal dryness, while another may mainly experience reduced desire or difficulty reaching orgasm.

Can Diabetes Affect Blood Flow to the Genitals?

It can.

Healthy sexual arousal involves increased blood flow to genital tissues. Diabetes-related vascular changes may interfere with this response.

When genital blood flow is affected, some women may experience reduced genital sensation, difficulty becoming aroused or reduced lubrication.

This is one reason diabetes-related sexual problems are not simply a matter of “low interest in sex.”

Can Diabetes-Related Nerve Damage Affect Sex?

Yes.

Diabetic neuropathy can affect nerves involved in genital sensation and sexual response.

If genital sensation changes, a woman may notice that stimulation feels different or that it takes longer to become sufficiently aroused.

Neuropathy is also one of the factors associated with female sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes.

However, nerve damage is only one possible contributor.

Not every woman with sexual difficulties has diabetic neuropathy.

Does Diabetes Cause Hormonal Changes That Affect Sex?

It can be associated with hormonal changes that influence sexual function.

Sexual desire and arousal involve several hormones, including estrogen and androgens, as well as the nervous and vascular systems.

Hormonal changes become particularly important around menopause, when estrogen levels naturally decline.

For a woman who has both diabetes and menopause-related vaginal symptoms, dryness and painful intercourse may have more than one contributing cause.

Can Diabetes Make Sex Uncomfortable Because of Infections?

Yes.

Genital and urinary infections can be more problematic for some women with diabetes, particularly when glucose levels are persistently elevated.

Symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation or abnormal discharge can make intercourse painful.

Recent research also suggests that diabetes-related changes in glucose metabolism and immune function may influence the vaginal environment and increase susceptibility to genitourinary infections. (Scairati et al. 2025)

If you repeatedly develop vaginal infections, it is worth discussing the pattern with your healthcare professional.

Can Diabetes Devices Affect Your Sex Life?

They can, although this is not necessarily a medical problem.

Some women may feel self-conscious about insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors or visible changes at injection sites.

Devices can also create practical concerns about movement, clothing or spontaneity during intimacy.

These issues may appear minor medically but can have a real effect on body image and sexual confidence.

A qualitative systematic review found that women with diabetes described changes in sexual life, emotional stress and the practical burden of diabetes management as factors affecting intimacy and relationships. (İlaslan et al. 2024)

Can Diabetes Make Sex Less Spontaneous?

It can.

Diabetes management can involve:

• Checking glucose levels
• Taking medication
• Using insulin
• Planning meals
• Managing hypoglycemia risk
• Managing diabetes devices
• Monitoring symptoms

For some women, this ongoing planning can make sexual activity feel less spontaneous.

That does not mean intimacy has to become clinical or scheduled.

Finding practical routines that reduce diabetes-related interruptions can help couples maintain a sense of normalcy.

Should You Check Your Blood Sugar Before Sex?

There is no universal rule that every woman must check her glucose immediately before sexual activity.

However, women who use insulin or medications that can cause hypoglycemia should understand their individual risk and follow the glucose-management plan provided by their healthcare professional.

Sexual activity is physical activity, and in some circumstances it can contribute to changes in glucose levels.

If you frequently experience symptoms of hypoglycemia during or after sex, discuss this with your diabetes-care team rather than simply avoiding intimacy.

Can Sex Cause Low Blood Sugar?

It can happen in some circumstances.

Physical activity can increase glucose use, and sexual activity may contribute to this effect.

The risk depends on factors such as:

• Diabetes type
• Medication
• Insulin use
• Food intake
• Starting glucose level
• Duration and intensity of activity
• Individual response

Women who are prone to hypoglycemia should learn to recognize their symptoms and follow their individualized diabetes-management plan.

Can Sex Raise Blood Sugar?

Blood glucose responses to sexual activity are not identical for everyone.

Physical activity may lower glucose, while stress hormones, anxiety or other factors may produce a temporary increase.

Therefore, it is not accurate to say that sex always lowers blood glucose or always raises it.

Your individual response matters more than a universal rule.

Does Better Diabetes Control Improve Sexual Function?

Managing diabetes well is important for overall health and may reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications that can contribute to sexual difficulties.

However, good glucose control is not a guaranteed cure for sexual dysfunction.

Sexual function is influenced by multiple factors, including hormonal health, medications, psychological well-being, relationship factors and other medical conditions.

A woman can have well-managed diabetes and still experience sexual problems that deserve treatment.

Can Losing Weight Improve Sex With Diabetes?

For some women, improving overall metabolic health may have positive effects on energy, confidence and physical well-being.

However, weight should not be treated as the sole explanation for sexual dysfunction.

Sexual health is multifactorial, and focusing exclusively on body weight can overlook issues such as vaginal dryness, pelvic pain, depression, medication effects or relationship stress.

Can Exercise Improve Sexual Health in Women With Diabetes?

Regular physical activity supports cardiovascular and metabolic health and can also benefit energy, mood and overall well-being.

Because sexual response depends partly on vascular and psychological health, maintaining an active lifestyle may support sexual health.

However, exercise should be considered part of an overall diabetes-management strategy rather than a standalone treatment for female sexual dysfunction.

Can Depression Affect Sex Drive in Women With Diabetes?

Yes.

Depression and diabetes can interact in ways that affect sexual health.

Depression may reduce sexual desire, interfere with arousal and make orgasm more difficult.

Diabetes-related stress can also contribute to anxiety, emotional exhaustion and reduced interest in intimacy.

This is why a sexual-health assessment should consider mental health as well as physical complications.

Can Anxiety About Diabetes Affect Sex?

Absolutely.

A woman may worry about:

• Hypoglycemia during sex
• Her glucose levels
• Diabetes complications
• Body image
• Visible devices
• Recurrent infections
• Pain
• Her partner’s reaction
• Whether diabetes has changed her attractiveness

These concerns can interfere with relaxation and arousal.

The problem is real even when there is no obvious physical abnormality.

Can Medications Affect Sexual Function?

Some medications can influence sexual function, although it is not appropriate to assume that every sexual problem in a woman with diabetes is medication-related.

If sexual difficulties began after starting a new medication, discuss the timing with your healthcare professional.

Do not stop or change diabetes medication on your own because of sexual symptoms.

Your clinician can determine whether a medication could be contributing and whether an alternative is appropriate.

Can Diabetes Affect Sexual Health After Menopause?

Yes.

Menopause can already cause vaginal dryness, reduced lubrication and discomfort during intercourse.

When diabetes is also present, these symptoms may be influenced by both metabolic and hormonal factors.

This is particularly important because vaginal discomfort can become a major reason for avoiding sex, even when sexual desire itself has not disappeared.

What Can Help With Vaginal Dryness During Sex?

If vaginal dryness is contributing to discomfort, practical options may include:

• Using an appropriate personal lubricant during intercourse
• Allowing more time for arousal
• Discussing persistent symptoms with a healthcare professional
• Evaluating whether menopause or another condition is contributing
• Treating underlying vaginal or genital conditions when present

Lubricant can reduce friction, but it does not treat the underlying cause of persistent vaginal dryness.

Can Diabetes Cause Pain During Deep Penetration?

It may contribute indirectly, particularly when dryness, infection or pelvic discomfort is present.

However, deep pain during intercourse has many possible causes.

Endometriosis, pelvic-floor dysfunction, ovarian conditions and other gynecological problems can also cause deep dyspareunia.

Therefore, persistent deep pain should be assessed rather than automatically attributed to diabetes.

What If Sex Is Painful Because of a Vaginal Infection?

It is generally better to address the infection before continuing activities that cause significant irritation or pain.

Depending on the cause, treatment may require antifungal, antibacterial or other appropriate therapy.

Repeated self-treatment without a confirmed diagnosis can delay identification of the actual problem.

If infections keep returning, ask your healthcare professional whether diabetes management, medication, menopause or another underlying factor could be contributing.

Can Diabetes Affect Your Relationship?

It can indirectly.

Managing a chronic condition can affect:

• Mood
• Energy
• Spontaneity
• Body image
• Communication
• Sexual confidence
• Emotional intimacy

A partner may also worry about causing pain or triggering a health problem.

Talking openly about what feels comfortable and what support is needed can help prevent diabetes from becoming an unspoken source of tension.

Should You Avoid Sex If You Have Diabetes?

Usually, diabetes by itself is not a reason to avoid sex.

Sexual activity is generally possible for women with diabetes.

The important considerations are whether you have specific complications or symptoms that require attention, such as severe hypoglycemia, significant genital infection, unexplained bleeding or persistent pelvic pain.

If you have concerns about sexual activity because of a diabetes complication, discuss them with your healthcare professional.

When Should You See a Doctor About Sexual Problems With Diabetes?

Consider discussing your symptoms with a healthcare professional if you experience:

• Persistent low sexual desire
• Vaginal dryness
• Pain during intercourse
• Difficulty becoming aroused
• Difficulty reaching orgasm
• Recurrent vaginal infections
• Significant anxiety surrounding sex
• Repeated hypoglycemia during or after sexual activity
• A sudden change in sexual function
• Sexual problems affecting your relationship or quality of life

You do not need to wait until the problem becomes severe.

Can Women With Diabetes Have a Healthy Sex Life?

Absolutely.

Diabetes does not mean that sexual problems are inevitable or that a satisfying sex life is no longer possible.

Some women with diabetes experience no significant changes in sexual function, while others may experience difficulties with desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm or pain.

The important point is that sexual problems associated with diabetes are often manageable once the contributing factors are identified.

Can Improving Diabetes Management Help Your Sex Life?

Good diabetes management is important for protecting blood vessels, nerves and overall health.

Keeping blood glucose within the individualized range recommended by your healthcare team can help reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

However, sexual dysfunction may have several causes, so improving glucose management alone may not completely resolve a sexual problem.

For example, a woman may have well-managed diabetes but still experience vaginal dryness related to menopause, medication effects, pelvic-floor dysfunction or another gynecological condition.

Can Vaginal Dryness Be Treated in Women With Diabetes?

Yes.

The appropriate treatment depends on why the dryness is occurring.

For some women, a personal lubricant may be enough to reduce friction during intercourse.

Others may need evaluation for menopause-related vaginal changes, infections, medication effects or other causes.

If dryness is persistent or accompanied by burning, bleeding or pain, speak with a healthcare professional rather than assuming it is simply part of having diabetes.

Can Pelvic-Floor Physiotherapy Help Women With Diabetes?

It may help when pelvic-floor muscle problems contribute to sexual symptoms.

A pelvic-health physiotherapist can assess whether the pelvic-floor muscles are excessively tense, weak or poorly coordinated.

Treatment may involve individualized exercises, relaxation techniques, breathing strategies and education about pelvic-floor function.

This can be particularly relevant when a woman has painful intercourse or pelvic discomfort that cannot be explained solely by blood glucose levels.

Can Counseling or Sex Therapy Help?

Yes.

Sexual health is not purely physical.

Counseling or sex therapy may be useful when sexual difficulties involve:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fear of hypoglycemia
• Body-image concerns
• Relationship difficulties
• Loss of sexual confidence
• Fear of painful intercourse
• Diabetes-related emotional distress

Addressing these factors does not mean that the sexual problem is “just psychological.”

Physical and emotional factors frequently interact.

What If You Feel Embarrassed Talking About Sex and Diabetes?

That is common, but you deserve to have the issue taken seriously.

Sexual health is part of overall health, and you can bring it up during a diabetes appointment.

You do not need to provide a long explanation.

You can simply say:

“I’ve noticed a change in my sexual function since developing diabetes.”

From there, your healthcare professional can ask more specific questions about desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and pain.

What Questions Can You Ask Your Doctor?

You could ask:

• Could diabetes be contributing to my sexual symptoms?
• Could any of my medications be affecting my sex life?
• Could menopause be contributing to vaginal dryness?
• Could I have a vaginal infection?
• Could pelvic-floor problems be causing my pain?
• Should my diabetes management be reviewed?
• Are there treatments for my sexual symptoms?
• Should I see a gynecologist or pelvic-health physiotherapist?

These questions can make an uncomfortable conversation much easier to start.

Can Your Partner Help?

Yes.

A supportive partner can make a significant difference.

Partners can help by:

• Communicating openly
• Being patient with changes in sexual desire
• Allowing more time for arousal
• Understanding that pain should not be ignored
• Supporting medical appointments when appropriate
• Helping reduce pressure around sexual performance
• Maintaining affection outside sexual activity

Intimacy does not have to depend entirely on penetration or orgasm.

What If You Are Afraid of Having Low Blood Sugar During Sex?

If you are concerned about hypoglycemia during sexual activity, discuss your individual risk with your diabetes-care team.

This is especially important if you use insulin or other glucose-lowering medicines that can cause hypoglycemia.

Understanding your medication, recognizing symptoms and following your individualized diabetes-management plan can help reduce anxiety.

Do not independently change medication doses simply because you are sexually active.

Can Sex Be Safe if You Have Diabetes Complications?

This depends on the complication.

Diabetes itself is not usually a reason to avoid sexual activity.

However, individual circumstances matter.

For example, someone experiencing recurrent severe hypoglycemia, significant genital infection, unexplained bleeding or severe pelvic pain may need medical assessment before continuing activities that aggravate their symptoms.

The safest approach is to address the specific complication rather than assuming that diabetes automatically makes sex unsafe.

Does Diabetes Mean You Will Eventually Develop Sexual Dysfunction?

No.

Diabetes increases the risk of certain sexual difficulties, but it does not mean that every woman with diabetes will develop sexual dysfunction.

Your risk can be influenced by factors such as:

• Diabetes duration
• Blood glucose management
• Nerve complications
• Vascular health
• Age
• Menopause
• Mental health
• Medications
• Other medical conditions
• Relationship factors

There is considerable individual variation.

Lesser-Known Fact: Sexual Problems May Be an Early Clue to Other Health Issues

Sexual Symptoms Can Sometimes Reflect More Than Sexual Health

One lesser-known aspect of diabetes and sexual health is that sexual symptoms can reflect changes in vascular, neurological, hormonal or metabolic health.

For example, changes in genital sensation, lubrication or arousal should not automatically be dismissed as a normal consequence of aging.

When a new or persistent sexual symptom appears, discussing it with a healthcare professional can sometimes uncover other factors that also deserve attention.

This is one reason sexual health should be considered part of comprehensive diabetes care rather than treated as a separate or unimportant issue.

Can You Prevent Sexual Problems Related to Diabetes?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent every sexual problem.

However, protecting overall health can help reduce some contributing factors.

Useful steps include:

• Following your individualized diabetes-management plan
• Attending recommended health checkups
• Managing blood pressure and cholesterol when applicable
• Staying physically active
• Avoiding smoking
• Getting adequate sleep
• Addressing mental-health concerns
• Treating vaginal or urinary symptoms promptly
• Discussing sexual-health changes early

The goal is not perfection. It is to identify problems early and address factors that can be modified.

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

Do not ignore sexual symptoms that are persistent, worsening or distressing.

Talk with a healthcare professional if you have:

• Ongoing vaginal dryness
• Repeated painful intercourse
• Persistent low libido
• Difficulty with arousal
• Difficulty reaching orgasm
• Recurrent vaginal infections
• Changes in genital sensation
• Repeated episodes of hypoglycemia associated with sexual activity
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Sexual difficulties affecting your relationship or emotional well-being

A healthcare professional can help determine whether diabetes, medication, hormones, menopause, pelvic-floor problems or another condition is contributing.

Final Thoughts

Diabetes can affect sexual health, but it does not mean that a satisfying sex life is out of reach.

Some women may experience changes in desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm or comfort.

These symptoms can arise from a combination of diabetes-related complications, hormonal changes, medications, infections, psychological factors and relationship concerns.

The most important step is to avoid assuming that sexual difficulties are simply something you have to live with.

If something has changed in your sex life, bring it up with your healthcare professional.

Identifying the underlying cause can open the door to appropriate treatment and help you regain comfort, confidence and intimacy.