OBJECTIVETo study the changes in sexual function in premenopausal women after renal transplantation.

METHODSForty-two married premenopausal women receiving dialysis therapy for at least 6 months with normal renal function for 6 months after renal transplantation were examined for hormonal profiles and menstrual cycles. The sexual functions of the patients were evaluated using Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before and 6 months after the transplantation.

RESULTSBefore renal transplantation, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, polymenorrhea, and eumenorrhea were found in 18 cases (42.9%), 10 cases (23.8%), 5 cases (11.9%) and 9 cases (21.4%), as compared to 7 cases (16.7%), 5 cases (11.9%), 6 cases (14.3%) and 24 cases (57.1%) after the transplantation, respectively. Prolactin (PRL), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels significantly decreased and estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) significantly increased after renal transplantation (P<0.001). Nineteen patients (45.2%) before and 36 patients (85.7%) after the surgery reported to have an active sexual life (P<0.001). The total incidences of female sexual dysfunction before and after kidney transplantation were 90.5% and 40.5% (P<0.001), respectively. The scores for sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, satisfaction, orgasm, and pain in FSFI were significantly increased after kidney transplantation (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONSA successful renal transplantation can significantly improve sexual functions in premenopausal women.