Qualitative study exploring the experiences of sexual dysfunction in premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes

Aims: To explore the sexual experiences and interactions of women with type 1 diabetes to explicate an understanding of the impact of diabetes on women's sexual function. The study was conducted as part of a wider project to develop a patient-reported outcome measure to assess sexual dysfunction (SD) in premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes. Methods: A qualitative study using face-to-face and virtual semi-structured interviews was conducted with premenopausal women with type 1 diabetes who have had some difficulties related to sexual functioning. Participants were recruited from two National Health Services (NHS) sites in the UK and from social media platforms. The data were analysed to generate themes using Framework Analysis approach. Results: Eighteen women, aged 22–49, were interviewed (NHS sites n = 13; online n = 5). Five themes related to women experiences of SD were identified, these were; initiation of sexual activity, sexual confidence, sexual enjoyment, sexual engagement and sexual desire. Conclusions: SD in women with type 1 diabetes is a complex phenomenon impacting their experiences and quality of life. SD is related to multiple interacting biopsychosocial factors related to diabetes, including blood glucose levels, diabetes treatments, technologies and complications. A targeted measure of SD for women with type 1 diabetes specifically would allow for these factors to be assessed routinely in clinical care.