Intimacy and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

It's 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.

Communication is key

With all the new information coming at you, 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.

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 having CKD.

Being intimate while on peritoneal dialysis (PD)

If you're on 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 communicating with your partner about how CKD is affecting your desire for sex, and allowing your partner to share their feelings and needs with you, is important for maintaining closeness. Discussing the physical and emotional difficulties you both might be experiencing can create mutual understanding and gives you the opportunity to overcome those challenges.

elderly man embracing wife open field dialysis

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.

You can also discuss this with your clinician, to figure out if there is another underlying cause of your lack of desire that can be addressed.

Healthcare worker discussing dialysis treatment with elderly man

Are you a caregiver or does someone you love need dialysis?

Being a caregiver or a loved one to a dialysis patient means that your life will change in one way or another. Knowing what to expect will help prepare you for the journey ahead. Read more about what to expect when caring for dialysis patients: how you can support your loved one, and why it's important to care for yourself.

Learn More