Sexual dysfunction in uraemic patients undergoing haemodialysis: predisposing and related conditions

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease and sexual dysfunction are common entities in clinical practice in haemodialysis (HD) units. This article is a review of some articles that focus on sexual dysfunction in patients undergoing HD and its possible relationship in multiple ways.

Nephrology nurses' perceptions of discussing sexual health issues with patients who have end‐stage kidney disease

“…The author also reported advanced age as a significant factor in ED among males on dialysis. While sexual issues in women remain a poorly understood and neglected area, women with ESKD report reduced libido, difficulty with sexual arousal, lack of vaginal lubrication, pain during intercourse and difficulty in achieving orgasm (Leão et al 2010). Although 50% of these women were fertile, the chances of them pregnancy reaching full term with a normal sized baby was low because of the high risk of spontaneous abortion (Gerogianni & Busapavanich 2013).…”

Pediatric priority in kidney allocation: challenging its acceptability

“…However, the growth and development argument seems to ignore that the adult population also faces unique complications which are reversed or significantly improved following transplantation . For example, adults with ESRD experience sexual dysfunctions , infertility , and high levels of unemployment . Below, we show that each of these problems is both highly prevalent and substantially damaging to QoL.…”

Hormonal changes in hemodialysis patients: Novel risk factors for mortality?

“…In men, erectile dysfunction is probably the most common sexual abnormality; in women, menstrual cycle irregularity and infertility. Low testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels, and high prolactin levels are among the common hormonal disorders found in CKD patients . In addition to disrupting quality of life, these sex hormone disorders might also influence mortality.…”

“…Estradiol is the most important female sex hormone. It is well known that there are changes in estradiol levels in uremia, resulting in irregular menstrual cycles, anovulation, infertility, and early menopause . Estradiol also has other influences, especially on the cardiovascular system of both men and women .…”