Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can deeply affect a person’s overall well-being, including their sexual health. Up to 80% of individuals with CKD experience sexual health challenges due to the condition itself, the side effects of treatment, and emotional stressors. While these issues can feel overwhelming, they are common and often manageable with the right interventions. Learn about the connection between CKD and sexual health, factors that contribute to these difficulties, and ways to address them.*

How CKD Impacts Sexual Health

CKD can cause a variety of sexual health problems, which often worsen as the disease progresses. Many people notice a lower interest in sex due to hormonal changes that affect testosterone and estrogen levels, leading to decreased libido. 

For men, diabetes—a leading cause of CKD—may result in nerve and blood vessel damage, making erectile dysfunction a frequent concern. Women often experience premature menopause, which can make sexual intimacy more challenging due to:

• Low estrogen levels, 
• Irregular periods, and 
• Vaginal dryness.

In addition to physical changes, CKD can cause fatigue and depression, further decreasing sexual interest and enjoyment. Dialysis treatment itself may contribute to these problems through its physical toll and potential side effects. Recognizing that these difficulties are linked to CKD—not personal inadequacies—is a vital step toward addressing them.

Managing Sexual Health Challenges with CKD

Proactively addressing sexual health with your healthcare provider can help you regain confidence and improve your quality of life. 

• Hormone therapy. Hormonal replacement therapy, such as with testosterone or estrogen, may restore libido and enhance arousal. 
• Medications. Adjusting medications, like blood pressure drugs or antidepressants that interfere with sexual function, can also make a significant difference. 
• Communication. Communicate openly with your health team about any side effects you experience.

Emotional support is equally important. Depression and anxiety, often associated with chronic illnesses like CKD, can affect sexual health. Talk therapy with a mental health professional can help patients manage emotional challenges while improving intimacy and overall well-being. 

By collaborating with nephrologists, mental health experts, and primary care providers, you can craft a care plan to address both CKD and its impact on your sexual health, strengthening your relationships and improving your quality of life. 

*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.) Managing Sexual Health with Chronic Kidney Disease. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/kidney-disease/living-with/managing-sexual-health-with-chronic-kidney-disease.html 

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