Planning a family and sexual health

Planning a family and sexual health 

Pregnancy planning 

Your fertility returns after transplantation but you are advised not to get pregnant or to conceive a child for the first year after your transplant. This will ensure that you are on the lowest doses of medication possible and that the transplant is well established. All patients are strongly encouraged to discuss their plans to have children with their consultant to make sure it is safe for you and the baby to do so. Some medicines can cause harm to the developing foetus and may need to be changed. Adequate contraception should be used until you have been told it is safe to get pregnant or to conceive a child. 

It is possible to have a safe pregnancy with a transplant. We have a specialist clinic run jointly with the obstetric team. We offer pre-pregnancy counselling to support and guide you in your decision to have a child and care for you when you are pregnant. 

• Read about the service 
• Read more about pregnancy and kidney transplantation 

Transmission of kidney diseases to children 

Most kidney diseases are not transmitted to children but some can be inherited (for example, polycystic kidney disease), so it is important to know what caused your kidney disease in the first place, especially if there are a few cases in your family. 

Sexual health 

Kidney disease can affect people’s sex drive. Your sex life and fertility are likely to improve after a kidney transplant. If you are experiencing any issues, please discuss with your transplant team or GP and they will help you.