Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT2960

Background: Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality, and it can be affected in women with type 1 diabetes (T1D). There is limited knowledge about how sexual health is perceived and experienced among women with T1D.

Objective: To explore thoughts and experiences related to sexual health among women with T1D.

Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with women with T1D at a diabetes outpatient clinic in Norway. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: From June to November 2022, 24 women with T1D, aged 18–45 years, were contacted and invited to participate in the study, of which 17 accepted. Four main themes were identified: (1) Inadequate communication and information about sexual health; prompting reflections on the information healthcare providers should offer depending on the life stage. (2) The impact on women’s relationships and intimacy; where decreased sexual desire, vaginal dryness, pain, as well as glycaemic variations and the intrusions from diabetes equipment were highlighted as significant factors. (3) The relationship between menstrual cycle and diabetes management; where varied experiences were reported regarding the regularity of menstruation and its impact on glycaemic variations, ranging from no influence on daily life to a marked impact. (4) Genitourinary infections; where different experiences and concerns were expressed. Hyperglycaemia was perceived as a risk factor, and the emotional burden of such infections was emphasized.

Conclusion: Women with T1D experience numerous challenges related to sexual health, indicating a need for improved follow-up from healthcare services. There was significant individual variation in experiences, underscoring the importance of empathetic communication and tailored information at relevant times throughout a woman’s life stages.