Pregnancy and sexual function in liver transplantation

In this the 11th Forum, we have reviewed many of the issues pertaining to sexuality and sexual function in the liver transplant recipient. It is disappointing that despite forty years of OLT, only a relatively small literature exists in relation to many of these topics, particularly the area of sexual health. As hepatologists and transplant physicians, much is made of graft and patient survival and indeed it is correct to do so. However, it is clear that our patients wish to, and do form and maintain normal healthy sexual relationships. Yet, this area of transplantation has been largely neglected not just in OLT, but also across other organs. Indeed, despite the many successful pregnancies that do occur in our transplant recipients, the management of such patients has been derived from largely self-reported patient series, and the criticism of all such series is that there exists a reporting bias of predominantly successful outcomes. That said, the multi-disciplinary transplant team should not fear addressing issues of sexuality and sexual health, but rather encourage it. Indeed, all concerned, both patients and healthcare providers alike may be pleasantly surprised by the responses and the interest in the topic! © 2008 European Association for the Study of the Liver.