Women issues in female patients receiving peritoneal dialysis

Abstract

About 50% of the population receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) in the United States are women. Nephrologists generally address medical issues related to end-stage renal disease, ie, anemia, hypercholesterolemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism. In female PD patients, specific topics should also be addressed. They include menstruation, birth control methods, osteoporosis, child bearing, postmenopausal hormone replacement and its consequences, screening of gynecological malignancies, sexual problems, and hemoperitoneum. We briefly describe in a multidisciplinary view the management of these issues.