Living Versus Cadaveric-donor Renal Transplant Recipients: A Comparison on Sexual Function

Sexual function of kidney transplant recipients

“…These results are similar to those found by Özdemir et al 2007and Josephson and McKay (2013) who reported decreased libido in both men and women, erectile dysfunction in men, and decreased vaginal lubrication, sexual satisfaction, and inability to reach orgasm in women. Studies on erectile dysfunction found a prevalence varying between 40.6% and 75.5% (Branco et al, 2013;Yavuz et al, 2013), which is in line with this study, where 40 male participants (50.6%) mentioned this dysfunction. The lowest mean FSFI scores were found in the domains of Desire/arousal, followed by Orgasm, Lubrication, Pain, and Satisfaction.…”

“…It should be noted that physical activity has been associated with a lower prevalence of sexual dysfunction and improved sex life (Wespes et al, 2013). Pretransplant dialysis therapies are a factor influencing the sexuality and sexual function of kidney transplant recipients because of the prolonged duration of HD and the consequent exposure of the cavernous tissue and the penile vasculature to uremic toxins that impair erectile function (Branco et al, 2013). Thus, with a mean of 13 years of CRD and 52 months of dialysis therapy, the sexual function may have been impaired.…”

“…However, these individuals have reported problems at this level which can affect their satisfaction and quality of life after the transplant (Muehrer, 2009). Branco et al (2013) emphasize that most kidney transplantations are performed in adults, a time when sexual function is of great importance. The most common sexual dysfunctions are decreased libido in both men and women; erectile dysfunction in men; inability to reach orgasm and reduced vaginal lubrication and sexual satisfaction in women (Josephson & McKay, 2013;Özdemir et al, 2007).…”

“…The most common sexual dysfunctions are decreased libido in both men and women; erectile dysfunction in men; inability to reach orgasm and reduced vaginal lubrication and sexual satisfaction in women (Josephson & McKay, 2013;Özdemir et al, 2007). However, research shows that successful transplantation reduces the risk of sexual dysfunction (although it remains three to five times higher than in the general population) and may restore normal sexual function, especially in young patients with well-functioning grafts (Branco et al, 2013). Factors contributing to sexual dysfunction in kidney transplant recipients include age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, smoking, endocrine disturbances, anemia, neuropathy, drug therapy, time of hemodialysis (HD), being a second-time transplant recipient, self-esteem problems (concerning body image, and interpersonal roles and relationships), fatigue and weakness, lack of intimacy and loss of sexual desire, depression, and fear (Antonucci et al, 2015;Branco et al, 2013;Mirone et al, 2009).…”

“…Factors contributing to sexual dysfunction in kidney transplant recipients include age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, smoking, endocrine disturbances, anemia, neuropathy, drug therapy, time of hemodialysis (HD), being a second-time transplant recipient, self-esteem problems (concerning body image, and interpersonal roles and relationships), fatigue and weakness, lack of intimacy and loss of sexual desire, depression, and fear (Antonucci et al, 2015;Branco et al, 2013;Mirone et al, 2009). Research on sexual dysfunction in kidney transplant recipients has focused on men, mostly on erectile dysfunction, concluding that: there is a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction in patients undergoing HD than in transplant recipients (Antonucci et al, 2015); the prevalence of erectile dysfunction is higher among transplant recipients under the age of 45 years (Mirone et al, 2009), a result which is contrary to the study by Antonucci et al 2015where being older than 50 years and having diabetes mellitus and hypotestosteronemia are associated with erectile dysfunction; the prevalence of erectile dysfunction is lower in living-donor transplant recipients than in cadaveric-donor transplant recipients due to minimized ischemic injury, lower immunosuppressive treatment dosages, and improved graft outcomes (Branco et al, 2013). Studies with women have concluded that sexual dysfunction decreased after kidney transplantation; successful renal transplantation may improve depression (Kettas, Çayan, Efesoy, Akbay, & Çayan, 2010); sexual dysfunction is high (Küçük et al, 2013); renal transplantation has positive effects on sexual function and menstrual and hormonal status.…”