Female Sexual Function in Young Women With Type 1 Diabetes and Additional Autoimmune Diseases

Abstract

Background: Female sexual dysfunctions (FSDs) are frequent concerns in women with type 1 diabetes (T1D), which is frequently associated with other autoimmune diseases (ADs).

Aim: To assess sexual function in young type 1 diabetic women with or without additional ADs.

Methods: Women with T1D aged 18-35 years with a stable couple relationship and no oral contraceptive use were enrolled. Diabetic women with concomitant ADs were also identified. All women completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale.

Outcomes: The main outcome was the prevalence of FSD. The FSFI-single domain scores were also evaluated in diabetic women with or without additional ADs.

Results: The global population included 154 diabetic women, of whom 66 (42%) had at least one additional AD. The prevalence of FSD was similar among diabetic women with and those without (30% vs 32%, P = .980) additional ADs. The FSFI-desire score was significantly lower among diabetic women with concomitant ADs than those without ADs [median (interquartile range), 4.1 (3.6, 4.8) vs 4.6 (4.0, 5.0), P = .042].

Clinical implications: An early evaluation of sexual function in women with T1D and concomitant ADs should be encouraged.

Strengths & limitations: Major strengths are the use of 2 validated tools to diagnose FSD and the relatively large number of subjects investigated. The limitations include the cross-sectional nature of the study, which does not allow to make inference regarding the cause and effect.

Conclusion: Diabetic women with additional ADs show an impairment in sexual desire as compared with those suffering only from diabetes. Longo M, Cirillo P, Scappaticcio L, et al. Female Sexual Function in Young Women With Type 1 Diabetes and Additional Autoimmune Diseases. J Sex Med 2021;18:219-223.

Keywords: Autoimmune Diseases; FSFI; Female Sexual Dysfunctions; Sexual Desire; Type 1 Diabetes.