Ladies: Is Diabetes Affecting Your Sex Life?

With daily difficulties surrounding diabetes sufferers, the last place that it needs to be is in the bedroom, but in a study by the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse of the National Institutes of Health, up to 42 percent of women with diabetes experienced problems in bed with a 33% increased incidence of vaginal dryness.

With no lubrication, the chafing experience is extremely uncomfortable, making the idea and experience of sex an off-putting one.

So what is the body up to?

Diabetes affects more than just sugar levels and insulin, with damaged blood vessels decreasing blood flow to the vagina. With nothing firing on all cylinders, there is no lubrication and a lack of arousal – and that’s even when you’re not going through the menopause. After the menopause, the obstacles are a little higher – and a little harder to overcome. The oestrogen levels drop, as does sexual arousal and satisfaction.

For some, the logical and aggressive solution is to use artificial lubricant, which you can find in your local chemist or shop, but for some doctors, the answer is using a long-acting moisturiser or even local vaginal oestrogen.

One such moisturiser is the long-lasting solution known as Replens, an over-the-counter moisturiser that provides pain-relief and settles dryness, similar to hormonal treatments. Furthermore, vaginal cells are replenished to refresh and to moisturise the region as gently and safely as possible. The solution is applied every 3 days to give you an active, comfortable and happy sex life.

Diabetes and menopause doesn’t have to mean the end to a good thing – you can keep doing what – and who – you love the most. Looking for the solution is tricky, but never impossible.

Start having fun again with Replens – you deserve it.

Disclaimer: This is not a professional recommendation. Should you wish to find out more about Replens or oestrogen treatments, seek guidance from your doctor.