Many factors can impact sexual health and sexual life in people with kidney disease, such as hormones, nerves, energy levels, and medications. Your sex life can be defined as more than intercourse; it includes hugging, kissing, touching, and other forms of intimacy. Discover what common sex-and sexuality-related concerns there are for those with kidney disease and how to manage any unwanted changes and continue to have a fulfilling sexual life.*

Loss of interest in sexual activity

Your interest in sex may change when you have kidney disease or kidney failure for both emotional and physical reasons.

Emotional changes

A lot of energy is used to cope with physical and emotional changes brought on by kidney disease, such as anxiety and depression, and you may temporarily lose interest in sex. For some people, having kidney disease may cause physical changes that can make them feel less attractive and affect their libido, or sexual drive. 

Relaxation exercises and regular physical exercise and activity can help keep the mind busy and improve physical condition and body image. If sexual problems persist, sex therapy may be beneficial. 

Physical changes

Men may have issues with erections, which is common with kidney failure. This problem can result from medication side effects or a buildup of toxic wastes in the blood that are not being fully removed by dialysis—both of which can be addressed by a healthcare professional. Penile implant surgery, oral medications, and injectable medications are available to treat erectile dysfunction.

Women may suffer from vaginal dryness. The use of a water-soluble vaginal lubricant can reduce pain associated with dryness during intercourse. In addition, a loss of energy, hormone changes, or medications for high blood pressure can lead to reduced libido and inability to climax. A change in your blood pressure medicine or hormonal therapy may be needed to correct this issue.

Because most kidney patients take medication for their kidney health, doctors should review your medications to determine if they’ve led to adverse sexual side effects and switch them to a new medication if possible. Blood tests should include hormone levels and blood sugar levels to check for diabetes, which decreases sex drive. Men can also be checked for any changes to nerve and blood supply to the penis and if they can have an erection. If a physical problem is not found, an emotional cause must be considered.

Safety of sexual activity in kidney patients

Some people with kidney disease, such as those on dialysis or who’ve had a transplant, may be concerned with the safety of sexual activity on their kidney health. Fear can cause people to avoid sexual activity altogether, but if sexual activity does not place pressure or tension on the access site, it will not cause damage.

For those who undergo transplant surgery, it is important to wait until the scar has begun to heal before resuming sexual activity. Your doctor will determine the right time so you don’t have to worry about damaging your new kidney.

It’s important to remember that other physical activities, such as touching, hugging, and kissing, provide feelings of warmth and closeness outside of intercourse. Professional sex therapists can recommend alternative methods if sexual intercourse isn’t possible.

What is sex therapy?

Sex therapy can be helpful for both individuals and couples. It typically involves sex education and suggestions for activities to be done at home. 

“These include communication exercises, stress reduction activities, and practicing ways of improving skills in giving and receiving enjoyable touches,” according to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). These techniques can address low sexual interest, trouble in reaching climax or reaching climax too soon, pain during sexual activity, and erection difficulties. 

A sex therapist can be a psychiatrist, psychologist, physician, or social worker. Search for someone who is both licensed and has advanced training and experience in sexuality and sexual health issues.

*National Kidney Foundation. (2019, June 25). Sexuality and Kidney Disease. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/sexuality