The frequency of sexual dysfunction was verified 57.7% in PCOS patients with the domains of desire and arousal being commonly affected in 99.2% and 98.5%of cases respectively. BMI had a significant effect on sexual desire and arousal (p=0.02) while the effect of hirsutism was significant on all domains except for dyspareunia. In normal Indian women, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) domain scores suggested difficulties with desire in 77.2%; arousal in 91.3%; lubrication in 96.6%; orgasm in 86.6%, satisfaction in 81.2%, and pain in 64.4% (42). In Indian women FSFI total scores suggested FSD in two-thirds of the 149 women (73.2%; 95% CI: 65.5-79.6%) (43). Infertility is one of the most stressing factors in women`s life and it may influence their satisfaction and quality of life (44, 45). In our study all the patients were infertile which may have impaired their sexual function that could justify the high prevalence we found. The majority of our patients had menstrual irregularities which reveals their hormonal disturbances.

PCOS patients markedly suffer from sexual dysfunction as comorbidity. It seems appropriate to screen all PCOS patients for sexual function with a simple short questionnaire such as FSFI. Targeted interventions could be considered to help improve their quality of life along with other treatments.

PCOS patients have been found to “markedly suffer from sexual dysfunction.” This is especially true in terms of orgasming. Doctors aren’t sure exactly why this is the case, it might be tied to hormonal imbalances, since excess androgens can throw a woman’s hormones out of whack, which can affect sexual function.

Consulting a lady Sexologist would markedly improve their sexual dysfunction.

Make an Appointment with Dr. Sharmila Majumdar at the Sexual & Mental Health Clinic, Avis Hospital, Hyderabad

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Sexual disorder or dysfunction can be categorised as sexual desire disorder, sexual arousal disorder, orgasm disorders and sexual pain disorders. These can be caused by:

1.  Unconsummated marriages due to lack of emotional bonding, conflicts in the couple, illness, different time schedules of work, can lead to this and can prolong for years.
2.  Idiopathic infertility may arise though the test repost of both man and woman are normal this may be triggered by stress, conflicts, financial problems, increased age of couples due to late marriage, sex therapy benefits such couple immensely so consult a good sexologist asap.
3.  Abnormally low production of hormones – estrogen in women and testosterone in both men and women cause sexual desire disorder.
4.  Pregnancy, ageing, fatigue and side-effects of medications can also cause sexual arousal disorder. Depression or anxiety also has a dampening effect on sexual desire. Men and women may develop an aversion to the contact of each other.
5.  Lack of sexual arousal is seen as failure of men to maintain erection, partially or completely; and in women – lack of vaginal lubrication. It can be natural or due to some underlying cause. Decreased blood flow to the vagina or penis due to medical conditions or a chronic illness can also be the cause of arousal disorder.
6.  Lack of orgasm after a normal period of sexual excitement if often the result of side-effects from SSRI anti-depressants. This is found in both men and women.
7.  Sexual pain disorders mostly affect women. Dyspareunia and vaginismus, painful intercourse and vaginal spasms during intercourse respectively are caused due to lack of vaginal lubrication in women. Poor vaginal lubrication may have been caused by lack of excitement and resultant arousal. It could also be due to changes after menopause or breast-feeding. Contraceptive creams may also cause lubrication problems and so also sexual fear and anxiety.
8.  Sexual abuse of women can lead to vaginismus. Women may also suffer from vulvar vestibulitis which leads to pain during intercourse.
9.  Sexual disorders are more common in men and women who are alcoholics and drug abusers.
10.  It is also much more probable in people with medical conditions such as diabetes or other degenerative neurological problems.
11.  Psychological problems, trouble in relationships, or chronic disenchantment and conflict with the sexual partner can also get in the way of sexual function.
12.  Lack of knowledge of anatomy and physiology, lack of sex education, STI, fear and performance pressure also causes problems in the married couple drifting them apart.
13.  Urinary tract infection, due to frequent and unhygienic sex has a tendency to recur with symptoms like, pain in lower abdomen, burning during urination, frequency, urgency, etc. and this needs to be addressed ASAP by a Sexologist. As this disorder has a tendency to recur and might even cause scarring of kidney if proper timely treatment is not given to the patient.

Make an Appointment with Dr. Sharmila Majumdar at the Sexual & Mental Health Clinic, Avis Hospital, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

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Listed below are issues diabetic men and women face in terms of sexual health:

In Men:
1. Diabetes reduces testosterone levels, which is directly reflected in reduced libido. Altered nerve function does not provide proper signals to the penis and there is also reduced blood flow to the organ. Both of these can diminish the chances of a good erection. Studies have shown that among men who have had diabetes for 10 years, about 50% have experienced erectile dysfunction.
2. The affected nerve function also leads to difficulties in reaching a climax. In men, it can additionally cause Peyronie’s disease, which leads to a curved penis, and this leads to painful and difficult erections and coitus.

In Women:
1. It leads to reduced sexual desire due to testosterone levels. Vaginal dryness is very common in females with diabetes, and therefore, there is a definite decline in the urge.
2. The above-mentioned neurovascular damage also prevents women from reaching a good climax, as the nerve supply is affected.
3. It also increases the predisposition to urinary tract infections, which can lead to painful sexual experience due to additional vaginal dryness and itching.

Finally, as much as it may sound as a cause for concern, it is not. People with diabetes know that making small lifestyle changes can go a long way in terms of onset of symptoms, their severity, and the leading of a normal life. Modifications in diet and lifestyle to include healthy eating, reduced stress, and exercising are very useful. It is also very important to talk to your doctor about how your sexual health has changed with diabetes. It is a sensitive and private topic, but if you are concerned about it, then do not hesitate to seek help.

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