Assessment of female sexual function and quality of life in predialysis, peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, and renal transplant patients

Chronic renal failure (CRF) and renal replacement treatments have a negative effect on sexual function and quality of life (QoL). The literature on female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in patients with CRF is limited. The aim of this study is to compare the sexual function and QoL in predialysis (PreD), dialysis, and transplant patients. A total of 106 women including 21 PreD, 45 dialysis, 20 renal transplantation (Tx), and 20 control patients were enrolled in the study. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and SF-36 scales were used to assess all patients, and demographic and clinical variables were documented. The FSFI and QoL scale scores were compared among the groups. The rates of FSD were 50, 81, 66.7, 75, and 50% in the control, PreD, peritoneal dialysis (PD), hemodialysis (HD) and Tx patients respectively. Total FSFI scores for desire, arousal and orgasm scores in the PreD group were significantly lower than those in Tx and control patients (P < 0.05). Physical components of QoL in CRF patients were significantly worse than in the control group (P < 0.0001). On logistic regression analysis, age, glucose and creatinine were significantly associated with FSD. This preliminary study documented that Tx is the most effective way to retain good sexual function in women, and a diagnosis of FSD should be made routinely in CRF patients.