Multi-Organ Transplant

Transplant Pharmacy - Life After Transplant

Sexual Activity

You may resume sexual activity as soon as you feel ready – that is, once you feel physically comfortable. As with resuming any other activity, begin slowly. You may find that position changes may be necessary until your incision is fully healed, however, there are no position restrictions.

Many patients have a loss of interest in sex prior to transplant due to feeling physically unwell from their disease process. Your interest in sex should return after transplantation as a result of feeling well again. However, it is very important to discuss and understand what are safe sexual practices if you are not in a monogamous relationship.

You must always remember that your immune system is suppressed and therefore you are at greater risk for contracting an infection. Everyone has to be concerned about sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), herpes, and hepatitis A, B and C, and you must be aware of how to protect yourself. Sexually transmitted diseases are contracted through sexual activity, where there is an exchange of body secretions from one person to another. Using a latex condom along with a spermicidal contraceptive foam greatly decreases the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. You can purchase latex condoms and spermicidal contraceptive foam at most local pharmacies.

For pregnancy prevention, the double barrier method is recommended and has a low failure rate if used correctly. A benefit of condoms plus contraceptive foam is that it also provides protection against sexually transmitted diseases as described above. The use of a diaphragm plus contraceptive foam is also an effective contraception method but a woman must see her gynecologist to be fitted for a diaphragm. The birth control pill may be an alternative for some patients, but you should speak to your transplant team to discuss if this is the right option for you. There is a high incidence of infection associated with the use of an IUD in transplant patients and therefore this is not recommended.

Although pregnancy in transplant recipients is not encouraged, it is possible to have children after transplantation. You should be aware that:

	Pregnancy may be complicated, requiring hospitalization

	The incidence of birth defects is higher in immunosuppressed patients

	If the disease that caused your organ to fail is hereditary in nature, genetic counseling must be considered.

If you are considering becoming pregnant you must discuss this with your transplant team as proper planning is essential.

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