Sexuality and kidney disease

Kidney disease can affect how you feel about your body and your sex life. You might experience changes:

• physically – such as fatigue, weight loss, weight gain, itchy skin, body odour or restricted movement from tubes or fistulas required for dialysis
• psychologically – such as stress, lower self-confidence, reduced sexual desire and anaemia (which can affect your ability to maintain an erection or achieve orgasm).

Many medications can also cause sexual dysfunction.

It’s okay to speak to your doctor about these changes. Treatment may be available.

If you’re thinking of pregnancy or parenthood, please consult your healthcare team. There are important considerations that require special planning.

Fear can cause people to avoid sexual activity unnecessarily. While it’s natural to worry that sexual activity may cause harm, there is no need for concern. It is safe to have sex during kidney disease treatment.

• For dialysis patients – avoid placing any pressure on veins or tubes you use for dialysis during sexual activity.
• For kidney transplant patients – wait at least four weeks after transplant surgery, then check with your doctor first. Sexual desire will often improve following a transplant.

The effects of chronic kidney disease on a child’s sexual development depends on how old they are when the disease develops.

• Children with chronic kidney disease may experience a slower rate of growth; they will often be smaller than their peers. These effects are more prevalent in children on dialysis than those who’ve had a transplant.
• Teenagers with chronic kidney disease may find that their sexual development slows down or even stops.

It is important for children and young adults to have someone to talk to about the physical, emotional and sexual changes they are experiencing. Whether you are patient, parent or carer, we recommend reaching out to your doctor for expert advice. You may be referred to a specialist in hormones and growth.

For more information, you can call our Helpline on 1800 454 363 or download our useful resources below.