Sexuality and chronic kidney disease
It is possible to continue being intimate while on dialysis. Talking about any sexuality issues you may be experiencing is the first step in maintaining intimacy during treatment.
With all the new information you are absorbing around kidney disease, you may be wondering how to maintain certain familiar aspects of your life. For example, you may feel that sex is important for your physical and emotional wellbeing, but that setting up treatments, managing medications and fulfilling work and family duties leaves little room for intimacy, which is normal.
Issues related to self-esteem, body image and sexual desire are common for people on dialysis. Communicating with your partner and your healthcare team is the first step towards dealing with sexuality issues that may come with managing dialysis treatment.
Being intimate on peritoneal dialysis (PD)
If you are on peritoneal dialysis (PD), you may feel uncomfortable having sex with dialysis fluid in your peritoneal cavity. Ask your PD nurse if you are able to drain out before having sex. It is possible for you to have sex while on a PD cycler, and you and your partner will be able to find the best way to avoid pulling the catheter. Alternatively, ask your PD nurse if it is possible to come off the cycler to have sex during the night.
Discussing intimacy with your partner
Communicating with your partner about how chronic kidney disease (CKD) is affecting your desire for sex and allowing them to share their feelings and needs is important for maintaining closeness. Discussing the physical and emotional difficulties you might be experiencing can create mutual understanding and gives you the opportunity to handle it in a way that feels comfortable for both of you.
You may feel uncomfortable having conversations about sexuality, but sexual dysfunction is normal for those living with CKD and talking about it can help reduce stress about this aspect of your relationship.
Lack of sexual desire
There are a number of reasons your sexual desire can ebb and flow throughout treatment. You might experience pain, fatigue or hormone imbalances that reduce your desire for sex. You may also experience concerns about body image or sexual performance, causing you to not want to be physically close to your partner.
It is important to discuss these feelings with your partner. If you do not feel comfortable having intercourse, the two of you might consider alternatives that can help you remain physically close.
If you and your partner decide you are comfortable not having sex, it is a good idea to discuss this with your clinician to figure out the underlying cause of your lack of desire.
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