Effects of Renal Transplantation on Female Sexual Dysfunction: Comparative Study With Hemodialysis and a Control...

Sexual dysfunction occurs commonly in individuals with end-stage renal disease. Chronic renal failure as well as the treatments used for it generally has a negative impact on sexual function with a subsequent increase in the risk of depression. There is scarcity of published data on female sexual dysfunction and the degree of improvement in patients on hemodialysis (HD) and transplant (Tx) recipients. The aim of this study was to compare the sexual function and degree of depression in HD and Tx patients with control group. For this purpose, we used the validated Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

A total of 23 renal Tx, 29 HD, and 30 control patients were enrolled in the study. HD patients were required to be undergoing HD for ≥6 months, and for renal Tx recipients, the Tx had to be performed ≥6 months before study entry. All women underwent a general and urogynecologic examination. Demographic and clinical variables were documented. FSFI and BDI scale scores were compared among groups.

The rates of female sexual dysfunction were 56.7%, 89.7%, and 73.9% in the control, HD, and Tx, patients respectively. Total FSFI scores in HD group were significantly lower than those in Tx and control patients (P < .05). FSFI scores improved significantly in the Tx group. BDI scores in HD and control subjects were 23.24 and 14.17, respectively, with a significant difference between the 2 groups (P < .005). BDI score in the Tx group was 16.65 and the difference was statistically insignificant.

This preliminary study documented that successful Tx may positively affect sexual life in women with chronic renal failure. A diagnosis of female sexual dysfunction should be made routinely in patients with chronic renal failure.