Sexual health and fertility does not come naturally for men and women suffering chronic kidney disease (CKD); sexual dysfunction and fertility issues are common throughout all stages of disease,... Show moreSexual health and fertility does not come naturally for men and women suffering chronic kidney disease (CKD); sexual dysfunction and fertility issues are common throughout all stages of disease, including dialysis and transplantation. These issues, alongside with other side-effects of CKD, affect patients social and relation life as well. Besides, their partners often fulfill an important and supportive role during intensive treatments or a lingering sickbed. As a result, the disease and the accompanying burdens affect also their partners’ well-being on several levels.Since CKD patients and their partners face multiple challenges in the area of sexuality, fertility, and relationships one could assume awareness about these difficulties exist among their care providers. Unfortunately, this thesis shows that renal care providers do not routinely discuss sexuality with their patients, underlying reasons varied between the different renal care providers. Whereas the results imply that providing an opportunity to discuss sexuality during is preferred by patients and their partners, especially after renal transplantations.As for fertility, most nephrologists include this subject in their consultation. However nurses of the nephrology department could also play an important role in addressing this part of renal care, however, insufficient knowledge is a retaining factor for them. Show less
