Severity of Female Sexual Dysfunction in Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Correlates: A Single Centre Study

Background Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is multifactorial and often overlooked in females with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aims to assess the prevalence, severity, and determinants of FSD in females with CKD and explore its association with other comorbidities. Materials and methods This prospective study was conducted between September 2023 and January 2025 in the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. Fifty-four married females aged ≥21 years with CKD were evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index-6 (FSFI-6). FSD was assessed by the six domains of FSFI namely, desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. The dysfunction was also checked for any correlation with factors like, age, stage, and duration of CKD and comorbidities like, hypertension, diabetes, and tuberculosis. Results As CKD progressed, the likelihood of FSD increased 10.97 times. Severe FSD (FSFI ≤7.2) was observed in 16.7% of patients, predominantly in Stage 5 CKD. Diabetes mellitus (DM) showed a significant association with FSD ( p = 0.003). Conclusion FSD is highly prevalent yet frequently under-recognized in Indian population.