Sexual dysfunction in men on chronic hemodialysis: a rehabilitation nursing concern

The rehabilitation potential of hemodialysis patients is hampered by the many complications associated with a uremic state and hemodialysis therapy. One complication that is particularly disturbing to male hemodialysis patients is sexual dysfunction, which affects about 50% of them and whose exact cause is unknown. This article reviews the literature regarding factors associated with sexual dysfunction in male patients on dialysis and the implications for rehabilitation nursing practice.