Sexuality Among Women Recipients of a Pancreas and Kidney Transplant

Significant improvements in health and quality of life generally follow organ transplantation; however, there is evidence that women who have received transplants experience difficulty with sexual function. The specific nature and extent of this difficulty has not been documented. The purpose of this study was to describe sexual functioning and sexual self-esteem among women recipients of a simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant. Perceived effect of the transplant on sexualitywas also explored. Participants completed a questionnaire that measured their sexual functioning (including sexual difficulties), sexual self-esteem, illnesses, medications, and perceived effect of the transplant on sexuality. Data analysis revealed that only 39% of the women would be classified as having normal sexual functioning. The majority reported either some difficulty with sexual function (34%) or sexual dysfunction (27%). About one third of the women reported that transplantation had only positive effects on their sexuality, whereas 28% reported negative effects, and 29% reported no effect.