Psychosexual Function in Capd and Hemodialysis Patients

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have a tendency to feel a loss of autonomy. The lack of understanding by families, physicians, and society toward these patients increases their sense of despair. The patients’ support networks are often inadequate. Various limitations in their daily lives, originating from the continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) therapy, such as frequent exchanges, transportation problems with CAPD bags, and economic problems, combined with the basic change in the lifestyle of the patient generally cause psychological disturbances in these patients (1). Emotional disturbances may be seen in 46% of patients undergoing dialysis (2). A comprehensive rehabilitation program is a complementary therapeutic approach that makes this expensive therapy socially more acceptable (3). The basic principles of a rehabilitation program are encouragement, training, exercise, employment, and evaluation (4). It has been shown that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction is high among ESRD patients. The importance of a systematic approach and a complete evaluation of all medical and psychosocial aspects have already been realized (5–8). It should always be remembered that sexual dysfunction may be the primary cause of, or secondary to, the psychological problems (1). Sexual problems in CAPD patients may be related to the dialysis solution bags, connection systems, and changes in the body image of the patient (9). In addition, the premorbid psychological status of the patient has a considerable influence on sexual function (1). The aim of this study was to investigate sexual dysfunction in ESRD patients and to determine the contribution of psychological factors to this dysfunction. We also compared CAPD and hemodialysis (HD) patients with respect to these factors.