Sexuality and Chronic Kidney Disease

Being Intimate while on Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)

If you're on peritoneal dialysis (PD), you may feel uncomfortable having sex with dialysis fluid in your peritoneal cavity. Ask your PD nurse if you're able to drain out before having sex. It's 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's 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 chronic kidney disease (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's 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're comfortable not having sex, it's a good idea to discuss this with your clinician to figure out the underlying cause of your lack of desire.