Erectile dysfunction risk factors for patients entering dialysis programme

The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors of erectile dysfunction (ED) for patients entering the dialysis programme with haemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD). Participants were adult males with sexual partners. They were given the semi-quantitative standard International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire. We added the common risk factors in specially designed questions to cover our objectives. The data were analysed using a multivariate regression model. Fifty-two patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria and completed this questionnaire. Twenty-five were on HD and 27 on PD. Only 17.3% were potent on entry into the study. Among the rest 71% were classified under severe ED. Sexual desire appeared less affected in comparison to other domains. Although 66.6% expressed their interest in treatment for ED, none of the patients received any. Stepwise selection analysis identified the only significant risk factor to be older age. There was no difference between the two populations of HD and PD. It is concluded that ED is very prevalent in men beginning dialysis; it should be assessed and treatment be offered.