[Erectile dysfunction and quality of life in patients with chronic renal failure].
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is associated with a reduced quality of life; it represents a risk factor for the development of depression. ED may induce depression, loss of self-esteem, poor self-image, anxiety, and tension in the relationship with the partner. These emotional disturbances can create physical conditions that lead to increased difficulty in achieving an erection. Depression can deprive a person of the ability to experience many of life's pleasures. It not only affects the mind but also the body--often in unexpected ways. As a result, many men who have been diagnosed with depression find themselves suffering from another condition: ED. Sexual dysfunction is a big problem also in patients with chronic renal failure and seriously affects their quality of life. About 40% of men on dialysis suffer from ED. Many uremic patients have additional symptoms including reduction of libido and a decreased frequency of sexual intercourse. With the start of dialysis some of these symptoms may improve, without, however, returning to normal.
Bellinghieri
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G
Cattedra e Divisione di Nefrologia, Università degli Studi, Via Consolare Pompea, Messina, Italy. gbellinghieri@hotmail.com
Santoro
D
D
Satta
E
E
Savica
V
V
D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life