Diabetes and male sexual health: an unmet challenge

The objective of this study was to explore the self-reported medical and psychological factors associated with sexual health for men with diabetes. An online survey was distributed via social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and remained open for four weeks. The survey contained 45 items which included free-text response questions so that participants could provide further detail to their responses if desired. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS.24, with content and thematic analyses conducted on free-text responses. One hundred participants completed the survey, aged 20–73 years (mean age 45.4 years) with a diabetes duration of 1–62 years (mean 23.07 years); 90% had type 1 diabetes. Forty-nine percent reported diabetes had led to a loss of self-esteem, 62% said it had a negative effect on relationships with a partner, 41% felt less attractive, and 46% reported it had led to loneliness. Free-text responses reflected depth of feeling and the considerable negative psychosocial impact of diabetes and associated sexual health issues. Erectile dysfunction was common (66%); however, over one-third of those participants had not sought help (42%). Oral medication removed spontaneity for half of the participants (n=58) who had taken it (n=29). Sexual health issues continue to pose challenges for men with diabetes, both medically and psychologically. The psychosocial aspects of diabetes and sexuality, including feeling unattractive both physically and emotionally, were widely reported by participants, demonstrating the damaging and distressing personal consequences. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons. Practical Diabetes 2019; 36(6): 201–206.