CKD and Sexual Issues

Chronic kidney disease is the gradual  loss of kidney function. It affect patients physically as well as emotionally. With patient it also affect people closely related to CKD patient, including family, friends and society. Often patients of CKD invest time on thinking how kidney disease affected their lives, work, diet and finance. CKD adds emotional as well as physical difficulties. 
Patient’s difficulties related to self-esteem, body image, emotional affection, gender identity, family roles and communication and many more. But one thing to remember, you are not just one who is suffering.

 

Some of the sexuality issues patients with chronic kidney disease experience:
Men
Low sex drive
Trouble achieving or sustaining an erection
Difficulty attaining ejaculation
Emotional state of inadequacy
Erectile dysfunction
Concerns about body image
Women
Dropping interest in sexual activity
Difficulty in attaining sexual arousal
Sexual pain
Emotional state of inadequacy
Trouble with pregnancy and high risk of miscarriage
Concerns about body image

 

Factors which contributes to sexual issues with chronic kidney disease:
Sleep disorders
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Change of role within family
Depression
Body image
Physical discomfort
Anxiety
Uremia (extra wastes in the blood)
Medications
Anemia (low blood count)