The Correlation Between Sexual Dysfunction and Marital Dissatisfaction in Women With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Objectives: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction and marital dissatisfaction is higher in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus than in the general population. However, the correlation between sexual dysfunction and marital dissatisfaction in diabetic women is debated. The present study investigated the correlation between sexual dysfunction and sexual dissatisfaction in diabetic women. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 126 women with type 2 diabetes mellitus, referring to Sanandaj Diabetes Center, Sanandaj, Iran, were compared to 126 randomly selected non-diabetic women referring to Health Centers of Sanandaj, Iran. Women’s sexual function was appraised through the female sexual function index (FSFI), and their marital satisfaction was compared using ENRICH (Evaluation and Nurturing Relationship Issues, Communication and Happiness) Marital Satisfaction Scale. Results: There was a positive significant relationship between sexual function and marital satisfaction (P<0.01, r = 0.675) in diabetic women. In other words, marital satisfaction improved sexual function increases. Conclusions: Marital satisfaction in diabetic women with sexual dysfunction is more unfavorable than in healthy women. Therefore, maximum attention should be paid to the role of sexual dysfunction in the marital relationship of people with diabetes mellitus.