Diabetes and sex

Q) I’m a 25-year-old married woman. Whenever I have sex, I bleed. Because of this, I’m unable to enjoy sex. I’m too scared to talk to anyone. Why is this happening and is this a serious problem? A) You may have a vaginal infection or your husband may be thrusting violently or you may be dry. You need examined by a doctor. to be

Q) I am a 51-year-old man and I have Type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes) for some years. Now, I have realised that my sex drive has been affected by my condition. I have lost my appetite for sex, and believe I need treatment. Can you advise me on the kind of treatment I would need?

A) Your loss of appetite for sex may be due to one or a combination of the following factors: You may be experiencing a condition known as ‘Andropause’, as you are 50 plus. In this condition there will be a gradual decrease in testosterone (male hormone) production.

Long-standing diabetes can damage and produce ‘Diabetic Testes’.

This can result in decreased production of testosterone and thus adding to Andropause. Chronic illnesses like diabetes can be debilitating and can adversely affect the sex drive. Apart from these, if your partner is not active

in bed, the sex drive may not be whetted. Sexual boredom and monotonous sex regimen in any long-standing relationship can also rob the novelty or thrill and kill the appetite.

What you need is a comprehensive evaluation (of physical causative factors, sexual routine, relationship issues). Management of your problem depends on the assessment. Seek the help of a competent Sexologist.

(The writer is a sexologist. You can mail him at dr.narayana@deccanmail.com)