The effect of sexual counseling on sexual function in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background & Aim: Sexual dysfunction is a common complication of diabetes in women. Although sexual function is important, often is neglected as a component of diabetes care. This study aimed to investigate the effect of counseling on sexual function in women with type 2 diabetes. Methods & Materials: The present study is a clinical trial conducted on 120 married women with type 2 diabetes and sexual dysfunction, referred to diabetes clinic in Gorgan in 2014. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Samples were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Sexual counseling sessions were held once a week for three weeks. Sexual function was assessed in two stages (before the intervention as well as two months after the intervention). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 20. Results: There was a significant difference in the mean score of sexual function between the control and experimental groups two months after intervention (P<0.001). The comparison of different domains of sexual function (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain) before and after intervention showed a significant difference in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Sexual counseling has a favorable effect on sexual function in women with diabetes. Sexual function is recommended to be assessed in women with diabetes during routine health care visit.

Keywords

• sexual counseling
• sexual function
• diabetes