Patterns and predictors of sexual function after liver donation: The adult‐to‐adult living donor liver transplantation cohort study

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Although sexual functioning is an important facet of a living donor's quality of life, it has not received an extensive evaluation in this population. Using data from the Adult-to-Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Cohort Study, we examined donor sexual functioning across the donation process from the predonation evaluation to 3 months and 1 year after donation. Donors (n = 208) and a comparison group of nondonors (n = 155) completed self-reported surveys with specific questions on sexual desire, satisfaction, orgasm, and (for men) erectile function. Across the 3 time points, donor sexual functioning was lower at the evaluation phase and 3 months after donation versus 1 year after donation. In the early recovery period, abdominal pain was associated with difficulty reaching orgasm [odds ratio (OR), 3.98; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.30-12.16], concerns over appearance were associated with lower sexual desire (OR, 4.14; 95% CI, 1.02-16.79), and not feeling back to normal was associated with dissatisfaction with sexual life (OR, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.43-8.99). Efforts to educate donors before the surgery and prepare them for the early recovery phase may improve recovery and reduce distress regarding sexual functioning.

Source: Liver Transplantation

DOI: 10.1002/lt.24108

Authors: Andrea F. DiMartini, Mary Amanda Dew, Zeeshan Butt, Mary Ann Simpson, Daniela P. Ladner, Abigail R. Smith, Peg Hill‐Callahan, Brenda W. Gillespie

Institutions: University of Pittsburgh, Northwestern University, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Lahey Medical Center, University of Michigan, Arbor Research Collaborative for Health

Language: English

Topic: Organ Transplantation Techniques and Outcomes

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation, Health Resources and Services Administration, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

OpenAlex ID: W1536540425