title: Sexual dysfunction in women with diabetic kidney.
abstract: Few studies address alteration of sexual function in women with diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Quality of life surveys suggest that discussion of sexual function and other reproductive issues are of psychosocial assessment and that education on sexual function in the setting of chronic diseases such as diabetes and CKD is widely needed. Pharmacologic therapy with estrogen/progesterone and androgens along with glycemic control, correction of anemia, ensuring adequate dialysis delivery, and treatment of underlying depression are important. Changes in lifestyle such as smoking cessation, strength training, and aerobic exercises may decrease depression, enhance body image, and have positive impacts on sexuality. Many hormonal abnormalities which occur in women with diabetes and CKD who suffer from chronic anovulation and lack of progesterone secretion may be treated with oral progesterone at the end of each menstrual cycle to restore menstrual cycles. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is the most common sexual problem reported by women with diabetes and CKD. Sexual function can be assessed in women, using the 9-item Female Sexual Function Index, questionnaire, or 19 items. It is important for nephrologists and physicians to incorporate assessment of sexual function into the routine evaluation protocols.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy ; Dialysis Center, "Dialnefro", Clinica Mariarosaria, 80045 Pompei, Italy.
authors.forename: Ersilia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Satta
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Magno
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Galì
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Inferrera
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric, Gynecological, Microbiological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Granese
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Carmela
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Aloisi
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Buemi
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bellinghieri
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Santoro