Sexual dysfunctions in diabetes during menopause and andropause

Abstract

Diabetes is one of the most significant underlying causes of sexual dysfunctions which tend to increase with age, especially during the climacteric and menopausal period, both in men and women, respectively. It is a chronic condition that affects all aspects of sexuality in both sexes. The risk of erection problems is three times higher among men with diabetes as compared to non-diabetic males, especially during the climacteric period. In women, diabetes can lead to persistent vulvar itching, increased predisposition to inflammatory conditions, accompanied by vaginal atrophy typically occurring during the menopause, which makes dyspareunia particularly common among diabetic postmenopausal women.