Sexual Health & Intimacy
Sexual Health and Intimacy with Kidney Disease
Sex and intimacy can directly impact quality of life. Changes to sexual health happen to many people in different ways. These changes are especially common among those living with kidney disease.
- When a person has kidney disease, their sexual health is impacted by their physical health and psychological wellbeing.
- Common physical symptoms associated with kidney disease can affect sexual health, such as hormonal changes, fatigue, and uremia (waste in your blood).
- Life on dialysis can also bring about emotional changes which impact sexual health and intimacy, such as depression and changes in your relationships.
Common sexual health concerns for people with kidney disease include:
- Decrease in sexual desire
- Erectile dysfunction/decreased arousal
- Body images changes
- Difficulty with fertility and pregnancy
- Less satisfaction with sexual relationships
Sexual health changes can be difficult to discuss with the health care team. Don’t be afraid to bring up concerns to your doctor, nurse, or social worker. There are ways the doctor can help address sexual health concerns. This includes adjusting treatment or changing medicines. You are not alone. Sexual health and intimacy are very common concerns among people living with kidney disease.
To find out more about sexual health, intimacy and kidney disease, visit these resources:
https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/sexuality
http://kidneyschool.org/pdfs/KSModule11.pdf
https://www.henryford.com/services/gynecology/treatments/sexual-health
