Impact of successful liver transplantation on reproductive function and sexuality in women with advanced liver disease.

Abnormalities in the reproductive function and sexuality, which are common among women with advanced liver disease, may reverse after successful liver transplantation (LT). To analyze reproductive function and sexuality in women who underwent successful LT, we interviewed 28 recipients (mean age 44.17 +/- 13.6 years old) at a median posttransplant survival of 36.5 months (range, 6 to 110 months), with good graft function and obeying regular follow-up at our institution. In addition to medical records, all subjects answered a questionnaire on their menstrual pattern, sexual activity, contraceptive practice, pregnancy, and sexuality domain. Nineteen of 22 patients in the child bearing age (86.4%) recovered menstrual function at a median of 1 month after LT (range, 1 to 7 months). Twenty of 28 recipients (71.4%) were sexually active. The most frequent contraceptive practices were barrier methods and tubal ligation. There were four successful pregnancies (one twin) in three patients; five healthy babies were delivered. Overall, 70% of sexually active patients indicated satisfaction with their relationship, 75% had weekly intercourse, and 70% experienced orgasm with intercourse. Eighty percent expressed a desire to receive information concerning sexuality. In conclusion, LT has a positive impact on sexuality and reproductive function in female recipients. It would desirable that LT programs included information regarding these issues for this population.