Sexual function in women undergoing hemodialytic treatment assessed using the female sexual function index (FSFI) and the somatic inkblot series (SIS) test.
OBJECTIVE
Female sexuality in end-stage renal disease has so far only been explored using non-validated tools. The aim of this study was to compare sexual function among hemodialyzed (HD) patients and healthy controls using validated questionnaires.


METHODS
Two internationally validated tests have been administrated: the female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire and a set of tables from the somatic inkblot series (SIS) test which focus specifically on the area of sexuality.


METHODS
25 consecutive HD patients were assessed for sexual function using the FSFI. Nine SIS inkblots concerning sexuality were also administered to obtain more detailed information about the psychological component of sexuality. An equal number of control healthy volunteers perfectly matched for age, marital status and educational level underwent the same evaluations, and the results of the two groups were compared.


RESULTS
HD patients had significantly lower scores than the controls for all FSFI domains except sexual desire even when stratified by age and marital status. All sexually related thematic areas of the SIS except body perception were significantly affected in the HD group compared to the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Chronic renal failure requiring HD treatment adversely affects female sexual function. The psychological impact on patients is significant when compared to an age-matched control group. Both the FSFI questionnaire and the SIS test may be considered useful tools for an integrated medical and psychological screening of FSD.
Sogni
F
F
Clinica Urologica, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Italy. vivienne70@libero.it
Zacchero
M
M
Parola
A
A
Carboni
F
F
Terrone
C
C
Gontero
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007282:Ink Blot Tests; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000523:psychology; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019529:Sexuality; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires