Glasgow Kidney Unit
We have produced written information to support CKD education. This is available below:
Warning
Having chronic kidney disease can change your mood and how you feel about your body. This might affect your personal relationships, including your sex life.
- Information about sexual wellbeing with chronic kidney disease is available here:
https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/sexuality
- Information about sexual wellbeing for people having peritoneal dialysis is here:
https://mykidneyjourney.baxterhealthcare.co.uk/live-well/intimacy
- Information about sexual wellbeing for people having haemodialysis is here:
https://www.freseniuskidneycare.com/thriving-on-dialysis/personal-life/sex-and-intimacy
It is very important that all people living with chronic kidney disease (including those with kidney transplants and those on dialysis) have the information they need to make safe choices about sex, and can access effective contraception.
- Information about contraception options with chronic kidney disease is here:
Kidney_Care_UK_Sexual_health_and_contraception_with_chronic_kidney_disease.pdf (cdn.ngo)
Medications that are prescribed by your healthcare team for chronic kidney disease and after a kidney transplant might make trying for a baby difficult, or might make pregnancy higher risk.
- More information about medicines and fertility / pregnancy can be found here:
Men with chronic kidney disease might notice problems passing urine, might experience changes in hormones and might have problems with erections which affect their sex life.
- More information about how chronic kidney disease might affect men’s sexual health, including erectile dysfunction, can be found here:
People who have chronic kidney disease or have dialysis treatment might notice changes in their periods. Women with chronic kidney disease and kidney transplants might develop more urine infections (UTIs).
- Information about chronic kidney disease and periods, urine (kidney) infections and hormone changes is here:
https://kcuk.cdn.ngo/media/documents/Womens_health_and_CKD_Nov_2023.pdf
- Information about how chronic kidney disease might affect menopause (the time when periods stop) can be found here:
https://kcuk.cdn.ngo/media/documents/Menopause_and_kidney_disease_-_Kidney_Care_UK.pdf
Making a choice about whether to try for a baby when you have chronic kidney disease can be difficult. We think everyone should have advice and support to make the right decision for them and their family.
For information about how chronic kidney disease might affect your chances of having a baby, your health and care during pregnancy, and what to expect after delivery click here:
https://kcuk.cdn.ngo/media/documents/Pregnancy_and_chronic_kidney_disease_-_Kidney_Care_UK.pdf
Information about having a baby when you live with a kidney transplant is here: