The Effect of the Hemodialysis Practice on the Dialysis Patients’ Sexual Functions

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to analyze the effect of the hemodialysis practice on the patients’ sexual functions and sexual experiences. Materials and Methods: Designed as phenomenological research, the study was performed with 19 patients who had hemodialysis treatment from 20 January 2021 to 20 February 2021 and agreed to participate in the study. The research data were collected by using individual in-depth interviews, the researchers’ notes, and patients’ personal notes. The ‘Patient Information Form’ and the semi-structured ‘Interview Form’ were used as the data collection tools. Results: The research data were examined thematically by using the content analysis method. The participant patients’ mean age was found as 54.31±15.21 years. As per the content analysis, the sub-theme, ‘an indispensable part of life’, was identified under the theme of ‘the meaning of sexuality’ while seven sub-themes, ‘the loss of sexual drive and the sexual dissatisfaction/failure to have pleasure in sex’, ‘the fear of damaging the fistula or catheter during sexual intercourse’, ‘the fall in the frequency of sexual intercourse and the end of sex life’, ‘the erection problems due to additional diseases’, ‘the refusal to have sexual intercourse due to hemodialysis-based fatigue’, ‘the religious requirements to be met following the sexual intercourse’, and ‘the sexual avoidance during the COVID-19 pandemic’, were categorized under the theme of ‘the effects of hemodialysis on sex life’. Conclusion: In the study, it was found that the hemodialysis affected the participant patients’ sex lives negatively. Thus, it was concluded that the hemodialysis patients needed psychological support.