Kidney transplantation affects life in general and sexual life in particular, so how is this effect? And when is it acceptable to engage in sexual activity after a kidney transplant?
For patients with chronic kidney diseases like kidney failure, kidney transplantation is an alternative treatment to dialysis. In this article, we will answer the question of when is sexual intercourse allowed after a kidney transplant?
When is sexual intercourse allowed after a kidney transplant?
When can I engage in sexual activity after a kidney transplant is a common question among patients. The answer is that after undergoing a kidney transplant, you can gradually return to your normal life, including sexual intercourse.
Sexual activity is affected by a variety of factors after a kidney transplant, including your physical and mental health. While you are permitted to engage in sexual activity as soon as you feel better, it is best to wait between 4-6 weeks to ensure that the wound is completely healed.
Will your sexual performance improve after a kidney transplant?
Patients who experienced sexual issues while receiving dialysis report an improvement in their sex life after kidney transplantation because the procedure makes them feel better overall, which enhances their sexual performance.
However, for a variety of reasons, including the following, some aspects of sexual life might not get better:
- Some patients, after kidney transplantation, continue to take blood pressure medications if there is a medical necessity. Some blood pressure medications may negatively affect sexual desire and ability. If you notice this, contact your doctor to change the medication if possible.
- Immunosuppressive drugs prescribed after kidney transplantation cause side effects in some patients, such as: weight gain, acne, bruising, and increased body hair, which negatively affects the patient's psyche and may make him not want to have sex.
Is it possible to have children after a kidney transplant?
after we addressed the query, "When is sexual activity permitted following a kidney transplant?" Some may ask, is it possible to get pregnant and have children after a kidney transplant?
This is dependent on the patient's health following the transplant, particularly their blood pressure and the amount of protein in their urine. If the health indicators are reassuring, pregnancy and childbearing can be done safely and without risk to health.
It is advised to wait at least two years before becoming pregnant after a kidney transplant, and it should be noted that some medications prescribed after the transplant may not be safe to take while pregnant.
In order to supervise or replace medications as needed, consult your doctor. It is important for a woman who plans to become pregnant after implantation to take care of taking vitamins such as: iron and folic acid before pregnancy.
General advice regarding your sex life after a kidney transplant
Following a kidney transplant and when engaging in sexual activity, consider the following advice:
- Beware of some things that may cause infection during sexual intercourse, because after a kidney transplant, a weakening of the immune system occurs, so you should be careful and not use any tools or products that are in direct contact with your sexual organs except after consulting a doctor, such as: Spermicide, spermicide, IUD, condoms, and diaphragm
- Particularly for women as they are more prone to urethral infections, make sure to empty your bladder before and after sexual activity to get rid of any bacteria that may be present.
- Stay in a comfortable position and avoid applying pressure to the wound.
- In particular, if you've ever had genital herpes, check your genitalia to make sure you don't have it now.
- If you experience any issues during sexual activity, consult your doctor for advice.