Sexual dysfunction is common in people with diabetes. Much medical research has focused on male sexual dysfunction, particularly erectile dysfunction (ED). In general, male sexual dysfunction is more obvious and measurable than female – ED being a classic example. There is also more research into ED because effective treatments have been developed by the pharmaceutical industry. This gender imbalance is being addressed as more research on female sexual dysfunction is published. This article looks first at the identification and treatment of male and female sexual dysfunction and then at how best to conduct a consultation about sexual dysfunction.
Sexual health in men with diabetes
Erectile dysfunction
Over 150 million men worldwide have erection problems, and this figure is expected to increase to 320 million by 2025 (Ayta et al, 1999). ED can be defined as the persistent inability to attain or maintain an erection that lasts long enough for satisfactory sexual activity (Hatzimouratidis et al, 2010). ED affects over half of men with diabetes, (Diabetes UK, 2013) and around 5% of men with ED have undiagnosed diabetes (Nieschlag et al, 2006). It is three times more common in men with diabetes than men without, and it occurs 10–15 years earlier in men with diabetes than those without (Feldman et al, 1994).
An erection is initiated by sexual stimulation and is a vascular process controlled by the autonomic nervous system. The blood vessels in the corpora cavernosa dilate and lead to increased arterial inflow and reduced venous outflow. Smooth muscle relaxation is crucial, and nitric oxide (NO) has been identified as the agent largely responsible for smooth muscle relaxation in the corpora cavernosum. NO stimulates guanylate cyclase, which leads to increased production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate, and it is thought that this induces smooth muscle relaxation through the opening up of calcium channels (Price, 2010).
In men with diabetes, evidence suggests that autonomic neuropathy and endothelial dysfunction contribute to failure of NO-induced smooth muscle relaxation, resulting in ED (Sáenz de Tejada et al, 1989; 2004).
Importantly, ED is a marker for other comorbidities, including diabetes, depression, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, from my clinical experience, 30% of the people with ED who I see have a raised fasting blood glucose of between 5.6 and 6.9 mmol/L. They might be said to be “sitting in the waiting room” for diabetes and need to be given every consideration and opportunity by the primary care team in order to optimise their lifestyle, including smoking cessation and encouraging exercise. Likewise clinicians should adopt a “treat to target” approach to issues such as hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia. More recent evidence has suggested that ED is an early marker for endothelial dysfunction (Pegge et al, 2006), and therefore that cardiovascular health should be assessed in men presenting with ED. Furthermore, the risk of developing coronary heart disease is doubled for men with ED and type 2 diabetes compared with men without ED (Ma et al, 2008).
LUTS is another condition where people should be actively screened for other comorbidities, including diabetes. A recent consensus statement has highlighted the need for clinicians to assess and manage the person with LUTS (Kirby et al, 2013a).
Assessment, management and treatment of ED
The MALES (Men’s Attitudes to Life Events and Sexuality) study demonstrated that 64% of men with ED reported at least one comorbidity (Rosen et al, 2004). Therefore, it is important that the individual presenting with ED (whether or not he has diabetes) is medically assessed. Assessment involves a sexual, medical, psychosocial and cultural evaluation.
Initial blood tests that should be considered when assessing a man with ED are full blood count, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol and lipids, a liver function test (LFT), thyroid function tests and testosterone. Testing for prostate-specific antigen, creatinine and electrolytes should also be considered.
Smoking can increase the risk of ED (Feldman et al, 1994), although it is not proven that smoking cessation will improve existing ED. ED in men with diabetes is often multifactorial in aetiology and is more severe and resistant to treatment than ED in men without diabetes.
Drug therapy
The first phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, sildenafil, became available in 1998, and two more – tadalafil and vardenafil – have since been approved for the treatment of ED. A rapidly dissolving form of vardenafil, which melts on the tongue (eMC, 2013e), and a once-daily form of tadalafil (eMC, 2013a), in my clinical experience, have both been useful additional treatment options. The treatment success rate with sildenafil in men with diabetes has been reported as 56–59% (Price et al, 1998; Rendell et al, 1999). The three PDE-5 inhibitors appear to have similar efficacy and tolerability, and NICE recommends choosing the drug with the lowest acquisition cost (NICE, 2009).
The duration of action of tadalafil, however, is longer than that of the other two PDE-5 inhibitors, with a “window of opportunity” lasting up to 36 hours (electronic Medicines Compendium [eMC], 2013a) compared with at least 4–5 hours for sildenafil and vardenafil (eMC, 2013b; 2013c; Price, 2010). The choice between these treatments usually depends on the preference of the individual. Many men with diabetes require the maximum dose of PDE-5 inhibitor and it should also be made clear that the drugs are only effective in combination with sexual stimulation.
It has been suggested that men who have not responded to treatment with a PDE-5 inhibitor may be successful with further education and attempts at intercourse. One study reported that intercourse success rates in men treated with sildenafil reached a plateau after eight attempts. It can be concluded that men should attempt intercourse eight times using the maximum recommended dose of PDE-5 inhibitor before being considered a non-responder (McCullough et al, 2002).
Other treatments
It may be helpful to prescribe a vacuum erection device (VED) for use on a daily basis as a penile trainer to encourage blood flow into the penis and as a confidence builder, as many people with ED have been without erections for several years. A consensus statement that draws together recommendations for post-surgical ED has confirmed that using a VED either alone or in combination with other treatments can be helpful (Kirby et al, 2013b). Furthermore, it is not unusual for men to require more than one therapy for their ED, which may include testosterone replacement.
Other forms of ED treatment include urethral pellets, injections into the corpora cavernosum, or penile implant surgery. In men with neuropathy, alprostadil injection therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for ED (Porst, 1996).
It appears that alprostadil cream, which can be applied to the tip of the glans, should soon be available in UK. This topical preparation benefits from a “skin-permeation-enhancing drug delivery platform”. This allows rapid transdermal penetration of alprostadil, with efficacy observed within 5–30 minutes of application (Padma-Nathan and Yeager, 2006). In a multi-centre, open-label, long-term US study (n=1161), it was found to be effective by 74% of participants and considered safe by most patients and their partners (Rooney et al, 2009). This could well prove to be an attractive form of administering the drug as “high anxiety” was reported by 65% of men using intracavernosal injections for the first time. This had reduced to 42% after using these injections for 4 months (Nelson et al, 2013).
Other novel treatments in the pipeline for ED include low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Vardi et al, 2012). This procedure has been demonstrated to work on humans and may add another dimension to treating ED. Stem-cell therapy when related to “restoration of normal penile vasculature and neuronal homeostasis” is also of interest (Albersen et al, 2013). Similarly, NO-releasing microspheres have been shown to improve ED in diabetic rats (Soni et al, 2013). Time will tell whether these studies become part of routine ED management.
Guidelines for the management of ED can be accessed via the British Society for Sexual Medicine website (www.bssm.org.uk [accessed 20.11.13]).
Therapies that may cause or worsen ED
Men with diabetes are commonly prescribed medications that may include ED as a side effect, and some people will consider stopping taking these medications as a result, often without telling their doctor. Such drugs include statins and antihypertensive medications (e.g. non-selective beta-blockers and diuretics). However, withdrawal of a drug could compromise the treatment of another important condition and it is important to remember that the problem being treated, as well as the drugs prescribed to treat it, can be associated with ED. It may be possible to change or modify individual treatment to drugs that are less likely to impact ED, such as choosing angiotensin-2 receptor blockers for the treatment of hypertension (Khan et al, 2002).
Testosterone deficiency syndrome
Hypogonadism, or testosterone deficiency syndrome, is not uncommon, with an estimated incidence in the UK of one in 200 men, and it is a clinical condition with both biochemical evidence of testosterone deficiency and symptoms of reduced libido or ED (Nieschlag et al, 2004). In a study by Kapoor et al (2007), 20% of men with diabetes had a total testosterone level of <8 nmol/L and the level was between 8 and 12 nmol/L in 31%. Most sexual dysfunction specialists would agree that if both features are present then testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) should be considered unless contraindicated (Handelsman, 2002).
It is vital that healthcare professionals screen people for hypogonadism as there is a strong association between low testosterone and mortality and morbidity. The 10-year mortality is almost twice as high in men with low testosterone when compared with men in the highest percentile (Shores et al, 2006). Men with type 2 diabetes have double the rate of hypogonadism (Mulligan et al, 2006).
The total testosterone blood test should be taken at 9 a.m. (or 2 hours either side) as there is diurnal variation. In general, TRT should not be used when the total testosterone is above 12 nmol/L, whereas men with levels below 8 nmol/L will usually benefit from TRT. In individuals with a testosterone level of between 8 and 12 nmol/L, a trial of TRT may be useful. It is important not to initiate treatment having obtained just one total testosterone level: further tests (including prolactin, sex hormone-binding globulin, luteinising hormone/follicle stimulating hormone, LFT and prostate-specific antigen test) should be performed prior to TRT.
There are various preparations that are available for TRT, including topical gels, patches and 3-monthly injections. Although oral capsules are available, they are not recommended as the testosterone blood levels may be unreliable. The individual needs to be monitored at 3–6 months, at 12 months and at least annually thereafter. This includes digital rectal examination and blood tests, total testosterone, full blood count and LFT. Guidelines for advice concerning blood tests and management issues are available (see Wylie et al, 2010).
Other common diabetes-related sexual problems in men
There is a range of other conditions that occur more commonly in men with diabetes, such as premature ejaculation (PE), balanitis and phimosis, that can make sexual activity bothersome or painful. It is therefore important that full enquiry is made regarding these conditions.
PE is common in men with diabetes. One study reported a prevalence of 32.4% in men with type 2 diabetes aged under 50 years and 67.6% in such individuals above 50 years. Furthermore, men with poor metabolic control were 9.6 times more likely to report PE compared with those who had good metabolic control (El-Sakka, 2003). Recently, dapoxetine has become available for prescribing to men aged between 18 and 64 years who experience PE and meet specified criteria (eMC, 2013f). It is a short-acting, quick-onset selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is taken orally and can be used as needed (approximately 1–3 hours prior to sexual activity). It is the only SSRI medication that is currently licensed for PE, although some clinicians have utilised long-acting SSRIs, taken on a daily basis, which are unlicensed for use in PE.
Balanitis (inflammation of the glans penis) can have both physical and psychological effects on ED and intercourse owing to irritation, pain, discharge and anxiety associated with transmitting a fungal infection to a partner. It has been found that the prevalence of balanitis in men with diabetes was 16% compared with 5.8% in men without (Fakjian et al, 1990). Furthermore, Drivsholm et al (2005) found that 12% of men have suffered from balanitis in the 2 years prior to them being diagnosed with diabetes.
Phimosis (a condition where the foreskin cannot be retracted) and Peyronie’s disease (growth of connective scar tissue in the penis) can also affect the ability to have intercourse, and both are more common in men with diabetes. The prevalence of Peyronie’s disease in men with diabetes and ED has been estimated as 20.3% (Arafa et al, 2007). Data on the natural history of Peyronie’s disease suggest that 13% of cases will gradually resolve, 47% will remain stable and 40% will worsen (Gelbard et al, 1990). There are various treatments available, directed at those in whom the condition is getting worse, including surgery
and verapamil injection.
Phimosis is common in men with diabetes. One study showed that 32% of men presenting at a urology clinic had diabetes and phimosis (Bromage et al, 2008), reinforcing the need to perform fasting blood glucose levels when these conditions are discovered. Physiological phimosis may just require an improvement in hygiene and observation, whereas pathological phimosis will require referral to a urologist.
Diabetes can also cause penile fibrosis due to loss of endothelium and smooth muscle cells from the corpus cavernosum (Burchardt et al, 2000).
Sexual health in women with diabetes
The paucity of knowledge regarding female diabetes and sexual health is only gradually being addressed.
Research has been difficult to design and there is a suite of methodological problems (De Veciana, 1998). Nowosielski et al (2010) conducted an analysis of 544 Polish women, as well as reviewing a number of studies on women with diabetes. The authors found that the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes was between 14% and 85% (17–71% with type 1 and 14–51% with type 2 diabetes) but accepted it could be either under- or overestimated. Low desire (17–85%) and reduced lubrication (14–76%) were the most frequently reported female sexual dysfunction; orgasmic and pain disorders were less common (1–66% and 3–61%, respectively). The authors describe possible explanations as to the causes of this, including decreased receptivity to sexual stimulation and endothelial deregulation due to diabetic neuropathy (Nowosielski et al, 2010).
Caruso et al (2006) found that reduced sexual satisfaction and sexual activity were a result of decreased clitoral blood flow. Some authors comment that factors such as age, BMI, duration of diabetes, glycaemic control, HbA1c level, menopausal status, the use of hormonal and oral contraceptives, or even the presence of diabetes complications could be relevant, whereas others found contradictory results. An association has been found in women with type 1 diabetes between retinopathy and reduced vaginal blood flow, and in the same study women with neuropathy were also found to have reduced clitoral sensitivity (Both, 2012).
Simple but effective treatments for female sexual dysfunction include topical hormone replacement therapy (Rees, 2009) using topical oestrogens (tablets, pessaries, rings or creams), vaginal lubricants or a combination of the two. At present, two lubricants are available on prescription: ReplensMD® (Anglian Pharma, Overton, Hampshire) and Sylk® (Sylk, Kingston Upon Thames, London). The latter, while an effective treatment, is manufactured using kiwi fruit, and clinicians need to be aware of the (rare) allergy risks. Another potentially useful product is Yes® (Yes Yes Company, Petersfield, Hampshire), which is available in an oil-based and a water-based form. It has been advised that a thin “base coat” of the oil-based preparation followed by a “top coat” of the water-based product can be effective (Edwards, 2010a).
Pre-conception care
The NICE guideline for diabetes in pregnancy states that: “Women with diabetes should be informed about the benefits of pre-conception glycaemic control at each contact with healthcare professionals, including their diabetes care team, from adolescence” (National Collaborating Centre for Women’s and Children’s Health, 2008). Women of childbearing age should be informed about the need for effective contraception.
Poor glycaemic control in the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of major congenital malformations and miscarriage (Ray et al, 2001), so it is vital to attain good glycaemic control before stopping contraception. In a study by Pearson et al (2007), women who planned for pregnancy and waited until their glycaemia was under control before stopping contraception had lower rates of adverse outcomes. Ideally, both the woman and her partner should be included in decisions about her care and should be given appropriate and sufficient information.
Contraception
Long-acting reversible contraception, such as the intrauterine contraceptive device and hormonal contraceptive implants, are actively being promoted in primary care and by contraceptive experts, and they are suitable for use in women with diabetes.
Women with diabetes (type 1 and type 2) with no vascular disease can generally use any form of contraception. However, women with nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy or other vascular disease should not use progestogen-only injectable contraception because side effects can aggravate these complications. These include: a tendency to gain weight; a potential increase in coagulation factors for prothrombin (II), VII, VIII, IX and X; a risk of retinal thrombosis; potential glucose intolerance; and, rarely, abscess formation at the injection site (eMC, 2013d). Likewise, the combined oral contraceptives, the combined contraceptive patch and the combined contraceptive vaginal ring should only be used with consideration of the above risk factors. Sterilisation is an option but must be performed in a setting with healthcare professionals experienced in managing diabetes, as well as backup medical support.
Other diabetes-related sexual problems
Fungal and bacterial infections are also very common in women with diabetes, and it has been found that vulvovaginal candidiasis occurs more often in this group of women (Bohannon, 1998). Furthermore, vulvovaginal candidiasis that is chronically recurring can be a marker for diabetes (Sobel, 1997). An improvement in glycaemic control can reduce the risk of reinfection.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common problem, affecting 5–10% of all women of childbearing age. The most common facets are hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation, which can lead to infertility and sexual dysfunction. There is a high prevalence of diabetes (16%) and hypertension (40%) in women with PCOS (Carmina and Lobo, 1999). Metformin can help control insulin sensitivity sufficiently to enable an improvement in the woman’s metabolism to a degree that she can conceive. Clomiphene citrate is the drug of choice in stimulating the ovaries to produce eggs (Balen and Rutherford, 2007a), but where there is a lack of ovarian response, other more complicated and expensive treatment regimens may need to be used (Carmina and Lobo, 1999).
Once pregnancy is achieved there is an increased risk of spontaneous abortion because of abnormal hormonal levels, abnormal embryos due to atretic oocytes, and an abnormal endometrium (Carmina and Lobo, 1999). In the established pregnancy, there are increased rates of complications such as pre-eclampsia, diabetes, premature labour and stillbirth. In a study by Legro et al (1999), almost a third of women with PCOS of reproductive age had impaired glucose tolerance and 7.5% had diabetes.
Basson et al (2010) noted that overweight but not lean women with PCOS have an increased incidence of sexual dysfunctions, noting that further research in such women with PCOS was needed. The authors also commented that an “optimal balance of hormonal milieu is critical to normal sexual functioning” but that hormones were only one component.
Diabetes-related infertility in men and women
The link between diabetes and ED has already been discussed and needs to be assessed when couples present with fertility issues. Diabetes is also strongly associated with PE (as described earlier) and reduced libido. Integrity of the central and peripheral neurotransmitters and autonomic nervous system are of paramount importance for erection and ejaculation (Sáenz de Tejada and Goldstein, 1988).
The main link between women with diabetes and fertility problems appears to be obesity. Weight loss improves not only the endocrine profile but also the reproductive outcome, and 5–10% weight loss can reduce central fat by as much as 30% (Norman et al, 2004). Insulin resistance is an important pathophysiological abnormality (Balen and Rutherford, 2007b). Furthermore, the greater the degree of insulin resistance, the longer the time interval between menstrual bleeds (Balen et al, 1995).
QOF indicators and NICE guidelines
In 2013, two indicators for ED in men with diabetes were introduced into the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF; Kenny, 2013):
- DM015 – The percentage of male patients with diabetes with a record of being asked about erectile dysfunction in the preceding 12 months.
- DM016 – The percentage of male patients with diabetes with a record of erectile dysfunction who have a record of advice and assessment of contributory factors and treatment options in the preceding 12 months.
However, going by the latest Government proposals, it appears that these ED indicators are likely to be dropped, along with many other QOF indicators, at least in England (British Medical Association and NHS Employers, 2013). To date, many of the QOF indicators have been used successfully in general practice to improve patient outcomes. However, while I feel that it is prudent to free up resources for GPs to use their clinical acumen, rather than just “box ticking”, it remains vital that people with diabetes are treated in a holistic way. For example, ED needs to be fully assessed and carefully managed: it is important to not assume that it is simply caused by the presence of diabetes, without exploring the presence or absence of other comorbidities.
NICE also recommends that men with type 2 diabetes are annually assessed for ED (NICE, 2009). See Box 1 for recommendations for the management of ED in men with type 2 diabetes.
Effect of diabetes on psychological, physical and social wellbeing
The pathophysiological changes of sexual dysfunction that are associated with diabetes are mainly due to a variable combination of neuropathy, vasculopathy, hypogonadism and locally occurring pathological factors. Although the physical effects of diabetes are well established, it should be remembered that social and psychological aspects can also play a part in sexual dysfunction. This is illustrated by the case example in Box 2.
The chronic nature of diabetes and its complications can lead to relationship problems, including arousal difficulties and sexual inhibition. Men with diabetes may need more physical stimulation, which may not be appreciated by the partner, who might feel unloved and less attractive. This can then lead to poor self-esteem, anxiety and depression (Bancroft and Gutierrez, 1996).
Consultation and referral
Discussing sex with an individual
A number of barriers that stop healthcare professionals raising the subject of sex have been identified (Athanasiadis et al, 2006):
- Lack of relevant training.
- Embarrassment.
- Time constraints.
- Conservative sexual beliefs.
- Insufficient knowledge on sexual health.
- Insufficient acceptance of the individual’s special sexual profile.
Respecting confidentiality at all times can be especially important in this area. Furthermore, cultural and religious attitudes need to be considered. It is also important to enquire about the partner’s sexual and general health. It is always helpful to encourage the partner to attend or offer for him or her to come to the follow-up appointment to obtain this person’s perspective.
Adolescents with diabetes are not excluded from having anxieties concerning sexual matters, and particular attention needs to be paid to this group; they may be having difficulty enough just coming to terms with their diagnosis of diabetes.
Finally, it is worth being aware that people may present with a “calling card” (e.g. athlete’s foot) to test the clinician out. It is important to ask about sexual function so that the individual has the opportunity to voice any concerns.
Taking a basic sexual history
Every interaction between patient and clinician will be subtly different, but in broad terms the “art” of taking a sexual history is to listen, look interested, maintain good eye contact and be encouraging with both non-verbal and verbal cues (Box 3). It is particularly important in such conversations that the clinician adopts a non-judgemental, caring and professional consulting style to minimise embarrassment.
As part of the consultation, it is vital to ascertain what actually happens (and what does not) during sexual activity. Also, one needs to be prepared that consultations covering this topic may run into other areas. For instance, ED may be an expression of underlying psychosexual issues, and this may need to be discussed with a trained counsellor.
When to refer
Unlike many topics in general practice, sexual dysfunction seems to have a wide range of referral patterns. Some clinicians refer early to a specialist while others will manage the majority of their patients, carrying out investigations and treating where necessary. Typical reasons to refer include:
- Pronounced psychosexual therapy needs.
- A desire to initiate therapies for ED such as intracavernosal injections, intraurethral pellets and surgery options.
- Non-response to PDE-5 inhibitors.
- Consideration of testosterone replacement therapy.
- A requirement for specialist investigations, such as exercise tolerance testing.
- Referrals for comorbidities found during assessment, such as prostate cancer.
- The sexual dysfunction being of a nature that is outside the competence of the clinician.
Conclusion
Sexual problems are common in both men and women with diabetes. Healthcare professionals need to be comfortable asking individuals about such problems and, where necessary, refer on to sexual dysfunction specialists. A contract of sexual health (Edwards, 2010b) provides an ongoing programme for the individual and his or her partner, as well as the clinician and wider healthcare team. By using the individual skills of healthcare professionals, both the person’s sexual difficulties and any medical or lifestyle issues can be progressively addressed, so that he or she is empowered and encouraged to holistically improve not only sexual issues but also general health.
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