Sexuality and fertility concerns of dialysis patients.
OBJECTIVE
The purposes of this study were to identify the frequency of sexual and fertility dysfunctions and satisfactions experienced by patients on dialysis therapy and their relationships to life quality variables, and whether patients desired to or received instruction regarding possible sexuality and fertility problems.


METHODS
The study used a descriptive, survey design.


METHODS
A convenience sample was obtained from 7 hospital-based dialysis centers in the state of Iowa.


METHODS
A mailed questionnaire, composed of 7 instruments, was used to survey demographic and medical variables, activity level, fertility and sexual dysfunction, intimacy patterns, sexual attitudes, life and health quality, and satisfaction with sexual relationships of patients treated with dialysis therapy.


RESULTS
Sixty-five percent of the subjects (n = 135) were dissatisfied with their sexual relationship, 40% no longer engaged in intercourse or sexual activity, yet only 25% had received instruction regarding possible dysfunctions. Subjects satisfied with their sexual relationships differed significantly (p < .05) from those who were dissatisfied in activity level, intimacy patterns, and life and health quality with frequency of arousal, orgasm, and acceptance of partner's advances significantly related to sexual satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
The standards of care identified by the American Nephrology Nurses' Association regarding sexuality had not been achieved in the sample measured.
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis / Q000523:psychology*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000523:psychology*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires