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My guest today is...me, Janis Roszler! By Janis Roszler, RD, CDE, LD/N I record many podcast interviews with experts for dLife.com. I find the right expert to talk to about a certain topic and record a great conversation. Recently, several of you asked for additional information about sex and diabetes. When I searched for the expert, I was told repeatedly to contact the author of the book SEX AND DIABETES – FOR HIM AND FOR HER. Well, folks, the two individuals who wrote this book are Janis Roszler (me!) and Donna Rice. Donna is currently traveling, so it looks like I'm going to have a chat with myself. Let's see how it goes: Hi Janis! The following are a few questions that our readers would like to know about: WHY DID YOU START WRITING AND SPEAKING ABOUT SEXUAL COMPLICATIONS? "People who have diabetes do best if they have the support of their partner or spouse. If there is tension or stress in the most intimate part of their relationship, that can affect all areas of their lives. 50-80 percent of men with diabetes will develop sexual complications. More than 30 percent of women will develop them also. Few, if any seek help and very few health professionals ask about the intimate lives of their patients. People need this information." WHAT TYPE OF SEXUAL COMPLICATIONS CAN PEOPLE WITH DIABETES GET? "The most common complication in men is erectile dysfunction (ED). Women may have a drop in libido (sexual interest), vaginal dryness that causes painful intercourse and nerve damage that makes it more difficult to experience an orgasm. Improved blood sugar control is helpful for both men and women, but the exact cause of women's issues isn't well-known. We do know that women view intimacy from a very emotional point – if they have a poor self-image because they have gained weight, are afraid of becoming pregnant or feel emotionally disconnected from their partner, sexual problems may appear. " WHAT TYPES OF TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR MEN AND WOMEN? "Blood sugar control is number one. It is difficult to feel sexy if your blood sugar level is abnormal. Men can try many treatments including Viagra, Cialis or Levitra, penile vacuum pumps, constriction rings, suppositories, injections, penile sleeves, implants, and even counseling, if needed. Many women find vaginal lubricants helpful along with Kegel exercises, hormone therapy, emotional counseling, reliable birth control to help remove the worry of unplanned pregnancy, and other actions that help connect them to their partners. " HOW DOES YOUR FAMILY FEEL ABOUT THE FACT THAT YOU DISCUSS THIS TOPIC? "My kids are so embarrassed! My son asked me to change my name and wear a blonde wig next time I appear on dLife to talk about sex." DO YOU HAVE ANY FINAL WORDS FOR OUR READERS? "If you experience problems in your intimate relationship seek help. Don't wait for your doctor to ask about the problem; unfortunately, many don't usually inquire about this area of a patient's life." THANKS FOR JOINING ME TODAY, JANIS! "Thanks for inviting me!" |
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