The Effect of Renal Transplantation for End-Stage Renal Disease on Female Sexual Function and Depression

Sexual bother and sexual activity before and after kidney transplantation

Among patients awaiting kidney transplantation (KT), sexual dysfunction is common owing to end-stage kidney disease, but may improve post-KT. Leveraging a 2-center prospective study, 2422 adult KT candidates and 490 adult KT recipients (May 2014 to December 2023) were identified. Using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form, participants reported on the negative impact of sexual dysfunction due to end-stage kidney disease (ie, sexual bother) at KT evaluation, admission, and post-KT follow-ups. Using mixed-effect logistic regression models, we estimated odds and trajectories for odds of sexual bother. At evaluation, 46.1% of male and 29.6% of female candidates reported sexual bother; 39.0% and 34.5%, respectively, had been sexually active in the past 4 weeks. At admission, 53.8% male and 27.0% female recipients reported sexual bother; 41.6% and 41.8%, respectively, had been sexually active in the past 4 weeks. The estimated prevalence of sexual bother decreased during the first 3 years post-KT (odds ratio per year: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.25-0.60). Sexual activity increased and peaked 1-year post-KT. At 3 years post-KT, 48.9% of male and 50.0% of female recipients were sexually active. Sexual bother is common pre-KT and improves post-KT, and sexual activity increases post-KT. Sexual health is important and should be considered during KT management.

Predictors of female sexual problems in Shanxi, China: a population-based cross-sectional epidemiologic survey

Background

Large studies on female sexual function have been conducted globally. Nonetheless, whether the state of female sexual function in China is significantly different from that in the rest of the world is largely unknown.

Aim

In this study, we aimed to investigate the associated risk factors for sexual problems in women in Shanxi, China, by conducting a population-based cross-sectional epidemiological survey.

Methods

Using the Chinese version of the Female Sexual Function Index (CV-FSFI), we surveyed women aged 20-70 years to diagnose the sexual problems. We used multiple linear regression models to estimate the risk factors for sexual problems.

Outcomes

We used the CV-FSFI for investigating the female sexual function.

Results

Our results included 6720 women, of whom 1205 were the sexually inactive and 5515 were sexually active. The mean FSFI score for sexually active women was 25.38 ± 4.20 (99% CI 25.27-25.49). Negative numerical coefficients were found for model predictors of age (B = −0.134, P < 0.001), postmenopausal status (B = −2.250, P < 0.001), chronic diseases (B = −0.512, P < 0.001), and gynecologic diseases (B = −0.767, P < 0.001). In contrast, positive numerical coefficients were found for education (B = 0.466, P < 0.001) and cesarean section (B = 0.312, P = 0.009).

Clinical Implications

It is important to pay attention to the sexual health of women and explore the factors influencing the sexual problems of women in China.

Strengths and Limitations

The present study is to our knowledge the first to evaluate the sexual function of women in Shanxi, China. Answers to questions asked in the CV-FSFI survey may be somewhat subjective, and thus additional tools and documentation are probably needed for accurate assessment.

Conclusion

Similarly to other worldwide studies, our study found that increasing age, postmenopausal status, chronic diseases, and gynecological diseases were risk factors for sexual problems, whereas high education levels and cesarean section childbirth were protective factors for sexual problems.

The Effect of Renal Transplantation on Female Sexual Function: An Age-Matched Pair Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate female sexual function (FSF) after renal transplantation (RT) and compare it to an age-matched normal females (control).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 100 sexually active RT females in child-bearing period. Sexual function was evaluated with Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). We compared the mean scores of all domains of FSFI to an age-matched sexually active normal females. Also, we compared the current FSFI to the pre-transplant status in 54 married females before RT. Factors affecting the FSF after RT were assessed.

RESULTS

In comparison to control group, RT group had statistically significant lower sexual desire (P <.001) with no significant differences as regard arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain, and total FSFI score (P >.05). Among RT-females, 83% had normal sexual function, and 83.7% of the control had normal sexual function (P = .8). After RT, the FSFI score increased significantly from 20.7 ± 5.4 to 27.8 ± 3.1 (P <.001), and 85.2% had normal sexual function compared to 22.2% before RT (P <.001) with statistically significant improvement in all domains (P <.001) except for pain score (P = .8). Female circumcision was the only identified factor associated with FSD (P = .02).

CONCLUSION

Successful RT significantly improves female sexual function of ESRD patients. The sexual function after RT is comparable to healthy control except for lower sexual desire.

Sexuality, Contraception, and Pregnancy in Kidney Transplantation

Sexual dysfunction is defined as any abnormality in sexual arousal, libido, intercourse, orgasm, or satisfaction. It is prevalent in patients with chronic and end-stage kidney disease, with 70% to 84% of men and 30% to 60% of women reporting some form of sexual dysfunction. Although kidney transplantation improves the overall quality of life for patients receiving dialysis, it can have unexpected effects on sexual function owing to the use of immunosuppressive medications and comorbid illnesses. It is important to recognize these adverse effects and pre-emptively discuss them with patients to help mitigate consequent psychosocial discontent. Women of reproductive age will often recover fertility after kidney transplantation and therefore need to be empowered to prevent unwanted pregnancies and plan for a safe pregnancy if desired. Complications such as preeclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, ectopic pregnancy, still birth, low birth weight, and preterm birth are more common in pregnant women with a kidney transplant. Careful monitoring for infection, rejection, and immunosuppressive dose adjustment along with comanagement by a high-risk obstetrician is of utmost importance. Breast-feeding is safe with most immunosuppressive medications and should be encouraged.

Sexual Dysfunction in Women With End-Stage Renal Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

In women with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), female sexual dysfunction (SD) remains underestimated.

AIM

To explore the prevalence, correlates, diagnostic approach and treatment modalities of sexual symptoms in females with ESRD.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate both the prevalence of SD and the pooled Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores in ESRD females. Similarly, for studies reporting the FSFI score before and after renal transplantation (RT), we estimated the effect of RT on sexual function. Further assessment of heterogeneity was conducted via subgroup and sensitivity analyses, cumulative meta-analysis and univariate meta-regression of important correlates. Records were identified through searching PubMed, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases as well as sources of grey literature until November 2020 (PROSPERO ID: CRD42020215178).

OUTCOMES

We included 47 studies with 61 patient group entries and 3490 ESRD female individuals (median age: 45.2 years, ΙQR: 40.4-50.6).

RESULTS

The SD prevalence in all females with ESRD was 74% (95%CI: 67%-80%, I² = 92%) and the FSFI total score 16.1 points (95%CI: 14.3-17.8, I² = 98%). The female SD prevalence was 63% (95%CI: 43%-81%, I² = 92%) in renal transplant recipients, 80% (95%CI: 72%-87%, I² = 91%) in hemodialysis patients and 67% (95%CI: 46%-84%, I² = 90%) in peritoneal dialysis patients. The total FSFI score improved by 7.5 points (95%CI: 3.9-11.1, I² = 92%) after RT. Older age and menopause were associated with higher SD prevalence.

CLINICAL TRANSLATION

Female SD is highly prevalent in all ESRD women, but renal transplant recipients reported improved sexual function.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

We provide the first study about SD in females and assessed the role of RT on sexual function. Contrary, none of the included studies evaluated the concomitant presence of distress with SD. The levels of heterogeneity were substantially high for all outcomes and we could not adjust for further correlates, which might have affected our measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual symptoms negatively affect the quality of life and warrants appropriate clinical attention, as they are an underdetermined and undertreated clinical entity in females with ESRD. Studies on treatment modalities of female SD in patients with ESRD are mandatory, as currently no relevant studies or clinical recommendations exist. Pyrgidis N, Mykoniatis I, Tishukov M, et al. Sexual Dysfunction in Women With End-Stage Renal Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sex Med Rev 2021;18:936-945.

Sexual Dysfunction Improvement after Kidney Transplantation: A Prospective Study in Men and Women

Objectives

To assess the influence of renal transplantation on sexual function.

Methods

Prospective study including all patients who underwent a kidney transplantation between January 2013 and February 2015. Sexual function was measured before, at 6, 12 months after transplantation and at the last follow-up with IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function) and FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index questionnaires).

Results

Median FSFI total score significantly increased in women at 6 months. In men, median IIEF total score significantly increased at one year.

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence suggesting that successful transplantation can improve normal sexual function in both men and women with chronic kidney failure.

Sexual Dysfunction Is Associated with Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Predialytic Chronic Kidney Disease

Objective

We aimed to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and clarify the relationship between sexual dysfunction and depressive mood state, drugs, and disease activities in patients with predialytic chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Materials and Methods

In total, 150 patients with CKD who had an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 15-60 mL/min were included; 65 healthy controls were selected. A detailed medical and sexual medical history was taken from individuals in the control and patient groups by applying the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results

Sexual frequency (p=0.027), impotence (p<0.001), and premature ejaculation scores (p<0.001) in male patients and sexual frequency (p=0.004), communication (p=0.004),, satisfaction (p<0.001), avoidance (p=0.008), orgasmic dysfunction (p<0.001), sensuality (p=0.002), and total sexual dysfunction scores (p<0.001) in female patients with CKD were found to be higher compared with the control group. In female patients, the depression scores of patients with stage 3 CKD were found to be higher than those of patients with stage 4 CKD (p=0.028). The avoidance scores of male patients with depression (p=0.006) were high. In contrast, the communication score of female patients with depression was high (p=0.004). It has been detected that the factors that affect the sexual dysfunction score of patients with CKD in males are age (p=0.006), hypertension (p=0.008), anxiety (p=0.003), and depression (p=0.002) and those in female patients are age (p=0.034), anxiety (p<0.001), and depression (p=0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with predialytic CKD substantially have sexual dysfunction. The most important factors that affect sexual dysfunction are age, hypertension, anxiety, and depression.

The observational study of selected sexual behaviour issues in female organ transplant recipients

OBJECTIVE

To investigate sexual behaviour in women following solid organ transplantation.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional single-centre survey study of 230 female organ transplant recipients, aged 18-45years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Sexual behaviour, contraceptive awareness and methods of birth control.

RESULTS

205 females declared to be post their sexual initiation. The mean age at sexual initiation in our study population was 20.3±3.3years (range: 14-32). Fifty-three percent (122/230) of the patients declared that they had only one sexual partner at enrolment. After transplantation female organ recipients became more sexually active (71% vs. 83%; p=0.018). The frequency of sexual intercourse decreased significantly in the post-transplant period (p=0.004). In the group of sexually active females before transplantation the frequency of sexual intercourses decreased significantly in the post-transplant period (mean Δ -0.16±0.79; p=0.004). An increase or lack of change in the frequency of sexual intercourse was noted amongst younger transplant-recipients (OR: 0.91; 95%CI 0.86-0.97) and women with effective birth control methods post-transplantation (OR: 3.68; 95%CI 1.60-8.49).

CONCLUSION

Sexual education of organ transplant recipients is necessary, mainly in younger patients, who present to be more sexually active, thus they need to be taught about effective family planning.