Sexuality in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

End-stage kidney disease has a negative impact on patients’ quality of life. People who receive a kidney transplant experience an improvement in many areas of their daily life. Sexuality is a general component of health, which can be affected by end-stage kidney disease and kidney transplant. The aim of this study was to explore and understand the experiences and perspectives of kidney transplant recipients regarding their sexuality. A qualitative study based on Gadamer’s hermeneutic philosophy was carried out. Two focus groups and nine interviews were conducted with 18 kidney transplant recipients. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with the help of qualitative analysis software. Two main themes emerged from the data: (1) “The impact of a kidney transplant on sexuality”, with the subthemes “sexuality is relegated to the background”, “physical decline acts as a sexual inhibitor”, and “changes in sexual activity following a kidney transplant”; (2) “Sexual education in kidney transplant recipients” with the subthemes “sexuality: a hidden concern amongst kidney transplant recipients” and “talking about sexuality with healthcare professionals”. Sexuality is a frequent concern among kidney transplant recipients. The physiological and emotional changes experienced after kidney transplant exert a great influence on their sexuality. Healthcare professionals rarely discuss sexuality concerns with kidney transplant recipients. Professional sexual education and assistance are necessary to improve sexual health satisfaction of kidney transplant recipients.

Pregnancy after transplant in the older adolescent: Anticipatory guidance for the pediatric provider

“…Condoms do protect from STIs in addition to providing (less effective) protection against pregnancy. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] Barrier methods with typical use have failure rates of up to 18% and may have a role in individuals with high STI risk.…”

“…While the above methods of contraception are effective in avoiding pregnancy, they provide no protection from STIs. Condoms do protect from STIs in addition to providing (less effective) protection against pregnancy 5–21 . Barrier methods with typical use have failure rates of up to 18% and may have a role in individuals with high STI risk.…”

“…As data regarding these topics are scant for AYA SOT recipients, most information is extrapolated from adult care 3,5–15 . Adult and AYA SOT recipients report that they want additional information regarding sexual health after transplant and prefer it be provided by their transplant provider 15 .…”

“…5 As data regarding these topics are scant for AYA SOT recipients, most information is extrapolated from adult care. 3,[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Adult and AYA SOT recipients report that they want additional information…”