Sex and relationships are important to think about. In the UK, the age of consent is 16 years old. You should only have sex if you feel ready and it should always be agreed by both people involved. It is vital to practice "safe" sex. Due to your medications, you are more susceptible to diseases that are transferred through sexual activity.

If you have a kidney condition, you may be concerned about if there is an impact on or risk to your health and kidneys. You can talk to your team about any worries or questions you have. There is no need to be embarrassed asking your healthcare team about sex, they are used to talking about it, and everything you tell a doctor or nurse is confidential.  If you are in the process of transition to adult services, you will start to see your team on your own and this can be a good time to talk to them about sex and relationships and any questions you may have.

Arrangements should also be made for birth control; it is very important to find out whether pregnancy poses a risk to you. Ideally pregnancy in women with kidney conditions needs to be planned even before conception.

There is lots of information available about sex, sexuality and relationships. You might find some of the following links helpful:

• Young Minds: Sexuality and mental health
• ChildLine: Sex and Relationships 
• ChildLine: Sexuality 

You can also find out about accessing sexual health services on these links:

• NHS Guide to sexual health services
• Unity Sexual Health (Bristol)