Sex problems with renal failure — Women
6. Sex and dialysis treatment

It is possible that the tip of a peritoneal dialysis catheter might lie low in the pelvis and that sex could cause discomfort for a woman, but this does not seem to happen often. It is said that it is best to tape down a peritoneal dialysis catheter, or have some clothing over, in case your partner grabs hold of it during a moment of passion.

Research in Coventry (UK) has shown that people on peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis both report similar sex lives (scoring 40/100 on a questionnaire). People with functioning kidney transplants did better, scoring 59/100. Although these scores do not sound very high, the general public do not score anywhere near 100.

7. Loss of sex drive and other sexual problems

NKF Controlled Document No. 207, Sex problems with renal failure — Women — 6. Sex and dialysis treatment, written 15 December 2002. Last reviewed 6 June 2011.

The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.

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