Sexual Function and Quality of Life in Korean Women with Chronic Renal Failure on Hemodialysis: Case-Control Study

Objective To assess sexual function and quality of life (QOL) in Korean women with chronic renal failure (CRF) receiving hemodialysis. Methods Between March 2006 and February 2007, we enrolled 38 consecutive patients between 30 and 64 years old (mean age, 46.1 years old). We enrolled 37 age-matched individuals who visited health promotion center in the study as controls. All were evaluated for estradiol, testosterone, prolactin, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. To obtain sexual function and QOL assessments, the patients and controls were asked to fill out the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36). Results The rate of menopause was significantly different between groups (78.9% in the patient group and 27.0% in the control group, P