Does kidney disease affect sexual function?

Kidney health problems are related to a person's mental state, and if problems occur in the kidneys, which are the largest organ in the urinary system, they will have a key impact on the urinary system. Many men are afraid of being told that they have kidney deficiency, because kidney deficiency means that a man’s sexual function is weak. So in people's eyes, kidney deficiency and sexual function are directly related, but will kidney disease affect sexual function?

1. Does kidney disease affect sexual function?

Nephrotic syndrome can affect sexual function, partly due to psychological factors. After being diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, male friends will develop a fear of sexual life, fearing that sexual life will aggravate the condition and lead to loss of libido, impotence and premature ejaculation.

In addition, sexual dysfunction in male patients may also be related to kidney disease itself and the side effects of treatment drugs. Long-term and heavy proteinuria in patients with nephrotic syndrome can lead to zinc deficiency; impaired endocrine function leads to reduced androgen secretion, which are the root causes of impotence. The main drugs for treating nephrotic syndrome, such as hormones, antihypertensive drugs, diuretics, etc., will directly or indirectly lead to androgen metabolism disorders and produce impotence.

However, it should be noted that although nephrotic syndrome can cause sexual dysfunction in male patients, this is by no means a permanent injury and can be restored to normal with symptomatic treatment.

2. How to treat kidney disease

2.1. Self-protection against infection

For patients with chronic nephritis, when the body's disease resistance decreases and various infections occur, nephritis will worsen or become acutely active. The most common sites of infection are the throat and respiratory tract, followed by the skin. Therefore, prevent cold and moisture, eat less dry and irritating food, pay attention to oral hygiene, keep the skin clean, and protect it in time if it is damaged to prevent bacteria from invading.

2.2. Rest

Patients with chronic nephritis need to pay attention to rest and avoid excessive activity, otherwise the condition will worsen. For example, changes in urine tests will worsen, with increased proteinuria or hematuria. They will improve or return to the original level after rest.

In principle, people with normal renal function should participate in some gentle recreational activities and avoid excessively intense exercise.

2.3 Diet

Kidney disease patients require a low-protein, low-salt diet. If patients with kidney disease adopt a high-salt diet, it will aggravate glomerular sclerosis and accelerate the decline of renal function. Insufficient intake will lead to malnutrition, reduce the body's disease resistance, and is also harmful to the human body. Generally speaking, the daily protein intake is about 60 grams. The specific intake amount needs to be adjusted accordingly based on regular blood albumin levels and physical condition.

3. What foods are good for kidney disease?

3.1 Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are mild in nature, sweet in taste, and have the effect of replenishing qi and blood. The special amino acids contained in shiitake mushrooms can significantly reduce the urine protein in patients with acute and chronic nephritis and can treat various kidney diseases without any side effects. Therefore, it is especially suitable for patients with nephritis to eat.

3.2 White Fungus

White fungus is mild in nature and sweet in taste. It has the effects of nourishing the kidneys, moistening the lungs and nourishing the stomach. According to research, the Tremella polysaccharides contained in white fungus can improve kidney function.

3.3 Coix Seed

Job's tears has the effects of strengthening the spleen, clearing away heat and promoting dampness. It is suitable for patients with nephritis, edema and oliguria to cook porridge with job's tears.

3.4 Broad Beans

Broad beans are mild in nature, sweet in taste, and have the effect of strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness. They are suitable for people with edema caused by nephritis. "Compilation of Common Folk Herbal Medicines" mentions "To treat edema, promote diuresis and reduce swelling: 50-400 grams of broad beans. Stew with beef and eat. Do not eat with spinach."