About 18 million American women have it Diabetes and 43.7 million have prediabetes. However, 90% of people don’t know they have prediabetes according to a study published in Clinical Diabetes.
Not only can diabetes affect heart health, vision and kidney health, but it can also affect vaginal health.
The reasons for this are because the blood glucose is too high and poorly controlled, which is usually seen in women with type 1 diabetes more than type 2 diabetes.
The pancreas is responsible for the hormone insulin which takes the food we eat and turns it into glucose. The body uses glucose for energy. However, if the body does not produce insulin properly, the the body has no energyresulting in type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that usually occurs in children between the ages of 4 and 7 or a little older at the age of 10 and 14. However, it can develop at any age.
- Type 2 diabetes is a condition that occurs when blood sugar is high for long periods of time.
- Prediabetes it usually occurs before type 2 diabetes and is when your blood sugar is higher than normal.
Diabetes can turn a person’s livelihood on its head. With a new medication, change in diet, increased exercise schedule, blood sugar assessments and doctor’s appointments, it can wreak havoc emotionally and physically.
For women, their vaginal health can be at risk when diagnosed. We cover some areas where diabetes can affect your health below the belt and treatments that can help relieve any discomfort.
Yeast infections
ONE fungal infection, also known as candidiasis can develop in the mouth and other areas of the body. According to Office on Women’s Healththree out of four women will have a yeast infection in their lifetime.
In a A 2018 study published in Diabetes Care of 300,000 people, people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were more likely to have a yeast infection.
White patches around the mouth, redness and pain, difficulty eating and swallowing, and swollen gums can be side effects of oral thrush.
Vaginal thrush can be a symptom of high blood sugar levels as glucose in the urine can contribute to yeast infections. If your sugar levels are low, yeast can feed on the sugar and cause an infection.
Certain medications can also contribute to vaginal yeast infections. There is a class of diabetes medications called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors; which help lower blood sugar. The body will get rid of excess sugar through the urinary system while taking this medicine, which means there may be a greater risk of infection.
Symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include reddening of the skin, white vaginal discharge, pain and itching around the vagina, and pain during intercourse.
Treatment for yeast infections includes an antifungal medication or cream.
To avoid yeast infections, take your medicine as directed, wear cotton underwearkeep your vaginal area dry and clean, change pads and tampons regularly, and avoid any perfumes or lotions that could irritate the area.
Low libido and painful sex
According to a 2013 survey of 500 women was published on Journal of Natural Science, Biology and Medicine81% of participants experienced low libido and 78% had arousal disorders.
nerve damage, also known as diabetic neuropathyafter years of uncontrolled blood glucose can contribute to vaginal dryness and decreased sensation.
Blood flow problems are common for people who have diabetes, which can definitely reduce libido, sexual response and orgasms.
Treatment for diabetic neuropathy includes over-the-counter and prescription lubricant such as estrogen therapy can help relieve any pain.
According to Journal of Medicine and Life, people with diabetes are two to three times more likely to develop depression. Therefore, sex may seem less exciting, contributing to painful sex. Medications such as antidepressants also suppress lubrication and desire.
Treatment for low libido is not black and white. Some research has found that taking testosterone may help women with diabetes revive their libido, however, more research needs to be done.
Additionally, some doctors may have difficulty differentiating low libido as a result of diabetes or as a result of diabetes-related emotional concerns.
Consider seeing a doctor who specializes in sexual medicine as well as seeing a therapist who can discuss any changes or concerns you have about your body changes, health concerns, and stress that come with diabetes.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS, is commonly associated with infertility and insulin resistance. Symptoms of PCOS include thinning hair, irregular periods, acne, and excessive facial and body hair—about half of women with PCOS develop diabetes.
PCOS affects 5 million American women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and while women with PCOS can produce insulin, their bodies don’t use it efficiently for energy. Women with PCOS also have high levels of the male hormone, androgens, which affects their ovulation.
The condition can worsen if the person is also overweight, which could lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and stroke.
Treatment for PCOS begins with reporting symptoms to a doctor. This can mean irregular periods, problems with pregnancy or excessive acne and hair growth. An endocrinologist, who specializes in hormone disorders, will check for various symptoms and do an ultrasound and blood test to diagnose someone with PCOS.
Once diagnosed, a person can make lifestyle changes such as losing as little as 5% of their body weight. They will usually be advised to take combined contraceptive pills containing estrogen and progestin to regulate hormones. Progestin therapy is another form of treatment where a person will be instructed to take progestin for 10 to 14 days every one to two months in order to regulate their periods.
Urinary tract infections
ONE urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs after bacteria enter the urinary tract. It can affect the urethra, kidneys and bladder.
People with diabetes, especially women, are prone to having sugar in their urine which is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, affecting the likelihood of infection. As a result, people with diabetes may have more urinary tract infections. When too much sugar builds up, urine can look cloudy and smell sweet.
Symptoms of a UTI include fever, changes in appetite, frequency of urination, and pain during urination.
If UTIs are not treatedkidney complications or other infections may occur.
To avoid UTIs, drink plenty of water, wipe from front to back, don’t hold your urine, and wear cotton underwear. In addition, regulate insulin and sugar levels.
Treatment for UTIs is the same as for someone without diabetes, which includes a low-dose antibiotic. Your doctor will also advise you on how to correct any metabolic complications.
Overall, the changes that come with life after diabetes go beyond medication and doctor appointments. They can affect your bedroom, your romantic life or even your physical comfort. Protecting your vaginal health by being informed and aware of potential risks can ensure a healthy vagina and improved quality of life.
