Gender Disparity and Women's Health in Kidney Disease
The proportion of women with predialysis chronic kidney disease is higher than that of men, but more men than women start dialysis. Although mortality is higher among men than women in predialysis chronic kidney disease, mortality is similar for men and women on dialysis. Women are less likely to use arteriovenous access for dialysis initiation than men. The perceived quality of life of women in dialysis is poorer than men and women report a higher symptom burden. Women are more likely to be kidney transplant donors rather than kidney transplant recipients as compared to men. Sexual dysfunction and depressive disorders are frequently seen among women with kidney disease. Pregnancy is not uncommon in women on dialysis and intensive dialysis improves pregnancy outcomes. In this chapter, we describe gender disparities in patients with chronic kidney disease and kidney transplantation. We also highlight sexual dysfunction, pregnancy, and psychosocial concerns including depressive disorders in women with kidney disease.
