Relations between gestational diabetes and postpartum depressive disorders and symptoms

Aim of the study To examine whether Polish women with type 2 diabetes suffer from sexual dysfunction/dissatisfaction, and if so, to investigate the connection between the severity of sexual problems and well-being, anxiety and depression in this group of women. Subject or material and methods We surveyed 60 women aged 42-72 years old, M = 59.25 (SD = 9.14). The study was based on the following questionnaires: the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), Sexological Questionnaire Part B, the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, the Brief Self-Rating Scale of Depression and Anxiety. Results A total of 75% (N = 45) of the respondents complained of the absence of orgasm (anorgasmia), 63.3% (N = 38) showed a lack or loss of sexual desire, and 50% (N = 30) had no genital response to sexual stimuli and/or experienced sexual aversion. There was also no significant relationship between wellbeing, the presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and the severity of sexual dysfunction. Discussion The current study has significant limitations due to the small number of participants and the lack of a pair matched control group. Our findings indicate higher frequency of SD than other studies. The differences should be interpreted with caution and it would be important to confirm these results in future studies, with a larger group of participants. Conclusions Polish women with type 2 diabetes commonly have symptoms of sexual dysfunction. Well-being, depressive and anxiety symptoms appear to co-occur with symptoms of sexual dysfunctions.