Exploring the experiences and impact of sexual problems in a sexual relationship; Black men with Type 2 Diabetes

This qualitative study explored the subjective experiences and impact of sexual difficulties from the perspectives of Black men living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) who were in a sexual relationship. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven Black men living with T2DM and experiencing sexual difficulties. The Interview data collected was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) in order to understand and gain insight into the men’s subjective experience of sexual difficulties and the meaning that this had for them. Four master themes emerged from the data: What is happening to me? Searching for meaning and answers; A changing relationship with my partner; Viagra is no quick fix; and Am I no longer a man? Each master theme is comprised of subthemes derived from my interpretation of the men’s interpretation of their experiences of sexual difficulties. The findings reflected the men’s journeys from their initial encounters of sexual difficulties and their attempts to make sense of what was happening to their bodies, not initially realising the impact of their diabetes; to experiencing communication difficulties and mistrust in their relationships; to being faced with the challenge of finding a solution and having to consider the implications of using medication; which culminated in the men re-evaluating their masculinity as they were no longer able to perform sexually in the way they once could as a consequence of their diabetes. These exploratory findings are discussed in relation to the existing literature. The quality of the study and its clinical transferability for Psychologists and colleagues working across the health sector are considered. Recommendations for future research are also suggested