Sexual dysfunction in female and male patients undergoing chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

To prolong survival and to provide a better quality of life (QoL) are two aims at the forefront in the care of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. In this study we aimed to determine frequency of sexual dysfunction (SD) and influencing factors in PD patients.

Of the 201 patients, 114 under 65 years and on chronic ambulatory PD for at least 3 months were enrolled. Forty-nine females and 65 males completed the study. Survey forms were applied using face-to-face interview method. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess SD in women; International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) was used to assess erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. All patients completed SF-36 and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) forms.

While SD was evident in 89.8% of female patients (FSFI score:10.4 ± 9.7), ED was present in 87.7% of males (IIEF score:13.8 ± 7.9). Depression rates were 65.3% and 49.2% in female and male patients, respectively. BDI scores were 21.6 ± 10.4 and 17.1 ± 9.5; physical component scores, 52.6 ± 20.4 and 55.2 ± 20.2; mental component scores, 45.2 ± 19.8 and 49.9 ± 22, in female and male patients, respectively. FSFI was correlated with age (β = -0.53 p < 0.001) and BDI score (β = -0.23 p = 0.04), (R² = 0.64). ED showed correlation with age (β = -0.36 p < 0.001), BDI score (β = -0.57 p < 0.001), and hemoglobin level (β = 0.26 p = 0.003), (R² = 0.74).

SD, often overlooked and not discussed by both patients and physicians, is encountered relatively frequently among PD patients. Left not discussed and untreated SD may adversely affect QoL.