Sexual Dysfunction in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Abstract

Background/Aims: Sexual dysfunction in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) is highly prevalent, but studies addressing this issue are scarce. This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate sexual dysfunction and the determinants among PD patients. Methods: All chronic PD patients in 8 PD centers were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire – the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for men and the Index of Female Sexual Function (IFSF) for women – so that sexual function could be assessed. They also answered the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to measure depressive symptoms. Results: Among 294 patients invited for study, 54 men (mean age 48.8 ± 10.8 years) and 45 women (mean age 43.6 ± 7.4 years) were willing to and completed the sexual function questionnaires. The median IIEF score in the men was 56.25. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction, identified by the score in erectile domain of IIEF ≤25, was 51.9%. Older age and higher fasting glucose levels were independently associated with a decreased IIEF score. In women, IFSF score (with a median 27) was significant lower than in healthy peri- or postmenopausal control women. Factors of higher BDI score, receiving automated PD, and older age independently associated with a decreased IFSF score. Conclusions: Sexual dysfunction is clinically relevant and multi-dimensional among PD patients. Gender differences exist in the attributing factors of sexual functioning. These warrant more awareness and investigation in the global health care of dialysis patients.

The burden of erectile dysfunction in dialysis patients in Senegal

“…Despite a wide variability related to the method of assessing ED, similarly high prevalences had been usually reported in many other countries such as Brazil (60.3%), 13 Egypt (82.5%), 14 Morocco (81.4%), 15 and Iran (86.6%) 16 . As noticed in our patients, the occurrence of ED is independent of the dialysis method (hemodialysis vs. peritoneal dialysis) 17,18 . However, the small number of peritoneal dialysis patients (7) represents a serious limitation for a comparison with hemodialysis patients.…”

“…11 This 5-item questionnaire had been already validated in dialysis patients and is easier to administrate in daily clinical practice. 3,12 The possible scores for the IIEF-5 range from 5 to 25, and ED was classified into 5 categories based on the scores: severe (5-7), moderate (8)(9)(10)(11), mild to moderate (12)(13)(14)(15)(16), mild (17)(18)(19)(20)(21), and no ED (22)(23)(24)(25). 12 We also collected data on patients' marital status, sexual activity, and paternity during dialysis treatment.…”

Erectile dysfunction among hemodialysis patients

“…Hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, low Fig. 1 continued blood zinc, low testosterone, high prolactin, and even high parathyroid hormone are associated with ED [18,19]. The value of routine measurements of serum testosterone, prolactin, and thyroid function tests in men with erectile dysfunction is no longer a subject of debate.…”

Male Sexual Dysfunction and Chronic Kidney Disease

“…The dialysis modality is probably unimportant. While the reported rate of ED in peritoneal dialysis patients might be lower (84), these patients are often younger than their hemodialyzed counterparts and have a lower comorbidity burden. Conversely, a number of studies have found that kidney transplantation has a beneficial effect upon sexual function in a significant proportion of patients previously treated with dialysis.…”