How Diabetes Impacts Your Vaginal Health

Diabetes, a disease characterized by high blood sugar levels, carries well-known risks for complications like heart disease and stroke, but, mostly because of embarrassment, we don’t talk about the elephant in the room — sexual dysfunction.

At Women’s Health Services, with offices in Arlington and Grand Prairie, Texas, our team of expert OB/GYNs diagnose and treat all aspects of your health, including diabetes and sexual dysfunction. A healthy sex life is good for the mind and body, so if you’re having a problem, reach out to the team for help.

More about diabetes

Diabetes is a common problem, especially in our fast food, minimal exercise culture. Some 37.3 million people in the United States currently live with the disease, which is about 11% of the population.

There are different forms of the disease. Type 1, called insulin-dependent, develops when the pancreas’ beta cells fail to release the hormone insulin, which is necessary for the body to convert carbohydrates into usable energy.

Type 2 diabetes, also called insulin-resistant, is the most common form, representing 90%-95% of all cases. It usually develops in people with an unhealthy diet, little to no exercise, and extra weight. In this form, the body’s cells don’t respond to insulin’s effects, again causing a problem with generating energy.

Gestational diabetes sometimes occurs in pregnant women, but it usually goes away post-delivery.

In all cases, you’re left with high glucose (sugar) levels in your blood, which can wreak havoc on your body.

How diabetes impacts vaginal health

There are a number of specific problems that affect the vagina as a result of diabetes.

Blood vessels and nerves

High sugar levels can damage both your blood vessels and nerves, including the ones that supply your sexual organs, and you can lose sensation because of the restricted blood flow. The damage can also affect your ability to get aroused, both physically and mentally.

Thrush

Thrush is a fungal infection seen mostly in women.

It’s not an STI, but it can be passed on during sex. You’re more likely to develop it if you have diabetes and your blood sugar is high. High sugar in the urine is an ideal breeding ground for the yeast that causes thrush. 

Symptoms include itchiness and pain around the vaginal entrance, discharge that’s white and thick or thin and watery, pain during sex, and a burning sensation when you pee.

You can prevent thrush by keeping your blood sugar as near to your target range as possible, keeping your vagina clean using non-perfumed shower gels or wipes, and wearing loose underwear. 

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

This is an infection of the tubes that run from your kidneys to your bladder, also known as your urinary tract. An infection in the lower part of the tract is called cystitis.

You’re more likely to develop a UTI if you have high blood sugar because the sugar helps bacteria grow. Cystitis produces symptoms that include:

• Pain when you pee
• Needing to pee frequently
• Pain low in the abdomen

UTIs aren’t transmitted sexually as a rule, but having sex is one way that gut bacteria can find their way into your urinary tract. And having sex when you have cystitis puts painful pressure on your bladder. Sex is also a common cause of bladder infections in women, which could make the problem worse. 

If you have cystitis, you can treat it by taking ibuprofen and drinking plenty of water. It’s also best if you abstain from sex until you feel better. Early treatment is important because cystitis can develop into more difficult-to-treat vaginitis.

Lifestyle changes

To prevent problems with your vaginal health, you need to manage your diabetes. That includes managing your blood sugar, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and reducing stress; these will benefit your overall health, not just your sexual health.

Want to learn more about diabetes and vaginal health, including what you can do to help yourself? Contact Women’s Health Services by phone or visit our contact page for more information.