Prevalence and associated factors of sexual dysfunction in women with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Document Type

Review

Publication Date

5-1-2026

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent chronic metabolic disorder with serious multisystem complications. Among these, female sexual dysfunction is a common but often neglected issue resulting from vascular, neurological, hormonal, and psychological changes associated with diabetes. Despite its significant impact on quality of life, the global prevalence and determinants of sexual dysfunction (SD) among women with diabetes mellitus remain unclear. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and potential associated factors of SD among women with diabetes mellitus. Method: A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to gather English-language literature on sexual health issues in women with diabetes from 2005 to 2025. The Stata18.0 software was utilized for data extraction in the systematic review. The random-effects model was used to assess the prevalence of SD among diabetic women. Subgroup analysis, publication bias, and sensitivity analysis were performed. Results: A total of 50 articles met the inclusion criteria and were subsequently analyzed. This meta-analysis included 9532 diabetic women, revealing a pooled prevalence of SD of 53% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46-0.61). Significant relevance factors associated with SD included age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.139, 95% CI = 1.100-1.179), diabetes duration (OR = 1.337, 95% CI = 1.076-1.660), depression (OR = 2.781, 95% CI = 2.012-3.844), marital status (OR = 1.768, 95% CI = 1.306-2.393), diabetic complications (OR = 2.258, 95% CI = 1.346-3.788), diabetic neuropathy (OR = 2.550, 95% CI = 1.755-3.707), and diabetes type (OR = 4.102, 95% CI = 2.231-7.544). Conclusion: The prevalence of SD among women with diabetes is alarmingly high and warrants serious attention. Healthcare institutions should routinely assess female diabetic patients for SD and standardize diabetes management protocols to mitigate the incidence of this condition.

Keywords

diabetes mellitus, relevant factors, sexual dysfunction, women

Publication Title

Journal of Sexual Medicine

ISSN

1743-6095

DOI

10.1093/jsxmed/qdag103

Volume

23

Issue

5

Publisher

Oxford University Press

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