Abstract
ABSTRACTObjective:to analyze the evidence available in the literature on the alterations in the sexuality of candidates and recipients of liver transplantation. Method:integrative review of the literature with search for primary studies in the databases MEDLINE (via PUBMED), CINAHL e LILACS, published in English, Portuguese and Spanish. Results:the 16 primary studies included were grouped into three categories: 1) female sexuality (n=5), 2) male sexuality (n=5) and 3) male and female sexuality (n=6). In category 1, the subjects investigated were contraception, pregnancy, sexual dysfunction, presence of gynecological symptoms and sexually transmitted infections. In category 2, the main focus of the studies was erectile dysfunction, sexual desire and satisfaction, and consequences of the immunosuppressive regimen with mycophenolic acid in men. In category 3, the evaluation of sexual function was the main topic. Conclusion:the scientific evidence generated provides support to encourage health professionals to incorporate the topic of sexuality in the routine of care. Knowledge gaps were identified and new studies should be conducted in order to implement interventions to prevent, minimize and/or control changes related to the patient’s sexuality.
Highlights
End-stage liver disease significantly reduces quality of life
Sexual dysfunction is common and related to the changes triggered by the chronic liver disease, to the drug therapy, hormonal changes, irrigation of the pelvis and emotional changes
The results suggested that liver transplantation improves the hormonal perturbations associated with chronic liver disease by restoring physiological levels of growth hormone, insulinlike growth factor, testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, folliclestimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone
Summary
End-stage liver disease significantly reduces quality of life. In this context, the transplantation can reverse the terminal stage and improve the patients’ health conditions[1].According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sexuality is a central aspect of being human throughout the life cycle that encompasses sex, gender identities, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. End-stage liver disease significantly reduces quality of life. In this context, the transplantation can reverse the terminal stage and improve the patients’ health conditions[1]. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sexuality is a central aspect of being human throughout the life cycle that encompasses sex, gender identities, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. It is manifested in different forms by the individuals and can be influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, historical and religious factors[2]. Sexual health is complex because it involves different factors, such as age, use of medications, and social and psychological aspects coming from previous experiences or from the transplantation[4,5]
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