Evaluating the Sexual Quality of Life of Kidney Stone Formers: A Multicentric Cross-Sectional Study

The objective of this study is to characterize the impact of stone disease on sexual quality of life (QoL). As a secondary end point, we identified predictors of reduced sexual QoL to identify characteristics of stone patients who may benefit from sexual counseling.

A multicentric cross-sectional study in eight centers across North America was carried out from July 2022 to March 2024. Patients with a history of kidney stones were recruited. Patients taking medication affecting erectile or ejaculatory function were excluded. Participants filled out the Wisconsin Quality of Life questionnaire to assess stone disease burden. Indicators of sexual QoL included the Sexual Distress Scale, the Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction, and either the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire or Sexual Function Questionnaire to evaluate sexual function in men and women, respectively. We examined the impact of kidney stone events on indicators of sexual QoL.

A total of 202 patients, including 70% (142/202) men and 30% (60/202) women, were recruited. The mean age was 53 (standard deviation [SD] 13) with men averaging 7 (SD 13) stone events and women 10 (SD 32). Men had good erectile (12/15) and ejaculatory (28/35) function. Women had low levels of sexual arousal (16/40), enjoyment (14/30), and orgasm (7/15). Men with worse erectile function demonstrated a significant association with increased frequency of kidney stone disease: 2-5 stone events (β = 2.95, CI [0.92-4.98], p = 0.005), 6-10 events (2.64 [0.64-5.22], p = 0.045), and more than 10 events (3.75 [0.80-6.70], p = 0.014). Both men (28/35) and women (25/35) had good sexual satisfaction and low sexual distress (5/20 and 6/20), respectively.

This is the first study investigating sexual QoL among kidney stone formers. Both men and women had good satisfaction and low distress. Women had low sexual desire and arousal outcomes. Urologists may help in screening for these forms of dysfunction upon the diagnosis of kidney stones to better address their needs. Men reported worse erectile function with an increase in stone burden; however, this association may not be causal.