Sex and dialysis

[mrstrekkie84]

The hubby was diagnosed with renal failure 2 years ago (a year into our marriage) and as ashamed as I am to admit it, our sex life has become virtually non-existent. He doesnt seem interested and Im terrified of hurting him. He has lost a lot of weight, plus he has been battling hypertension. Any ideas? I am 29 and he is 33. We should be in our prime years!

[Simon Dog]

Try to avoid sex while on the machine - you can get distracted and pull a line - other than that you shouldn't hurt him by pleasuring yourselves.   If the drive is low, a chat with your MD would be in order.

[okarol]

It's not an uncommon problem with kidney patients.
Here's another thread with some serious, and some fun, comments "having sex while on dialysis" http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=137.0

[obsidianom]

The most common causes of loss of libido in younger patients often are depression and/or  low sex hormone levels. If he is clinically depressed the sex drive often drops.If that is the case he should talk to his doctor about anti depressants and / or therapy. He also should talk to his doctor about having his hormone levels checked. Renal disease can effect hormones.
Have you talked about this together? Communuication is critical. Perhaps he is stressed by the renal disease and this is effecting him. Tlak it out with him if you can . The best aphrodisiac for sex is good communication between partners.

[okarol]

I think having hormone levels checked is a good idea because the adrenal gland, which sits on top of the kidney, and helps with hormone production, may be impaired.
http://www.endocrineweb.com/endocrinology/overview-adrenal-glands