Sexual Health

‘Men’s health in transplant patients’ - we provide unique and complete health services to this patient population under one umbrella.

More than one third of men receiving kidney transplants for end- stage renal disease (ESDR) are in their reproductive age and are likely to face hypogonadism, marked by erectile dysfunction and infertility due to compromised semen quality. Therefore, recovery of adequate reproductive functions is one of the major benefits of kidney transplantation compared to dialysis.

The clinicians and scientist in the department of Urology are currently undertaking studies to ascertain whether kidney transplants in patients with ESDR impart any restorative effects on the quality of sperm and erectile function in men. The study findings are likely to lead to better treatment management options for kidney transplant patients desiring children. This is likely to impact patient’s quality of life.

Lower Testosterone and Kidney Transplants

There are important implications of low testosterone in presence of ESRD and kidney transplantation. The data shows a high prevalence of 30-40% of low testosterone in this population. It can present with many common symptoms such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, mood changes, problems with fertility, depression, loss of muscle mass, loss of bone density, anemia, etc.

Studies have shown that in patients with low testosterone, when followed over a long period of time, there is increased risk of overall death rate especially with low levels of testosterone among kidney disease patients, increased requirement for erythropoietin stimulating agents, increased risk of sarcopenia, and bone disease.  Some studies have indicated that lower testosterone predisposes patients to increased risk of kidney rejection and poorer graft survival also. It can also lead to a blunted or no response to medications used in treatment for erectile dysfunction, or anemia.

 

	Puneet Sindhwani, MD Chairman, Department of Urology and Transplantation Kenneth A. Kropp Endowed Professor of Urology Chief of Academic Urology Department of Urology UTMC
	Tariq Shah, PhD, HCLD, MPA  Director of Andrology Lab Department of Urology Assistant Professor Department of Medical Education