Prevalence, risk factors, and severity of erectile dysfunction following renal transplantation

Sexual dysfunction is common among dialysis and transplant patients. Our study evaluated the prevalence, risk factors, and severity of erectile dysfunction (ED) post-transplant in a single center.

We conducted a single-centre, observational, non-interventional study of adult male renal graft recipients. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and erectile function was assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire.

179 patients transplanted between 1995 and 2021 were enrolled (170 answered the questionnaire). Mild, moderate, and severe ED was noted in 33.5%, 20.6% and 10.6% of cases, respectively. ED prevalence increased with age (42.6% of patients < 40, 47.4% of patients aged 40-60, 78.9% of patients > 60). The total mean IIEF score was 16.32 ± 6.93 (erectile function 19.22 ± 7.9, orgasmic function 6.8 ± 2.9, sexual desire 6.43 ± 2.1, intercourse satisfaction 8.96 ± 3.7, overall satisfaction 6.78 ± 2.6). Age, alcohol consumption, type, time on dialysis pre-transplant, and donor type were significantly associated with erectile dysfunction (p < 0.05). Most patients (93.5%) were treated for comorbidities in addition to immunosuppression. Severe ED was significantly more common among patients taking alpha blockers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Self-reported erectile dysfunction post renal transplantation seems influenced by age, alcohol intake, dialysis history, donor type and certain drugs, but not by comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, heart disease).