The information on this page aims to provide you with the information you will need to make a safe and informed decision on the contraception available to you.
The information is relevant to young adults with kidney problems, some of whom may have had a transplant or be on dialysis.
Who can give me advice?
Talking about contraception and sex can seem scary, but it is necessary to keep you and your kidney healthy. Doctors and nurses within the young adult team are very experienced in this subject, so feel free to ask any team member for advice.
If you don’t feel comfortable talking to the young adult team, advice can also be sought from:
- your GP
- your GP practice nurse
- a sexual health clinic
Any information you tell us or advice we give you is strictly confidential will not be shared with anyone outside the medical team.
What is recommended?
It is important to note that the recommended contraception is only to be provided by a contraception specialist.
All of these alone do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They should all be used with a barrier method of contraception, e.g. condoms.
- Progestogen only pill:
One tablet taken every day with no breaks. It’s extremely important to take the tablet at the same time each day for it to be effective (within a 12 hour window).
- Combined oral contraceptive pill:
This tablet is taken once a day for 21 days, followed by a 7 day break when a withdrawal bleed (like a period) will occur. The tablet must be taken at the same time each day (within a 12 hour window) to be fully effective.
- Progestogen injection:
A progestogen hormone injection into the muscle of the bottom or under the skin on the abdomen which lasts twelve weeks. This is a good option if you would struggle to remember to take a tablet each day.
- Progestogen implant:
A small flexible, rod (about the size of a matchstick) which is inserted under the skin of the upper arm. This releases the progestogen hormone and is effective for three years. This is a good option if you would struggle to remember to take a tablet each day.
- Intrauterine system:
A small T shaped device which releases the hormone progestogen. It is inserted into the uterus by a trained doctor or nurse. Effective for three to five years. This is a good option if you would struggle to remember to take a tablet each day.
For more detailed information on the recommended contraception, including common side effects, please visit the link below:
What if I want a baby?
This needs to be discussed with your kidney doctor as soon as possible, as it will likely require changes to your medications. It may be dangerous for you and the baby if you become pregnant without first discussing this.
Pregnancy is not recommended in the first year after transplant or whilst on dialysis. University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) run a pre-pregnancy counselling clinic for those patients who wish to have a baby, so please inform us as soon as possible so we can provide support.
Emergency contraception
Sometimes things don’t go to plan and you may have unprotected sex or contraception may fail. Emergency contraception is available and safe in those patients with kidney problems and transplants. This is available from your GP, local sexual health clinic and some pharmacies.
There are three different types available:
- Levonelle: Is a tablet and can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex
- Ella one: Is a tablet and can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex
- Copper Coil: Can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex (or later in some cases depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle)
It is important to get emergency contraception as soon as possible. An STI test is also important to rule out any sexually transmitted infections, as emergency contraception does not protect against STIs.
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing
Testing for sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia involves a vaginal swab and sometimes a blood test. Usually, the swab can be taken by you in private, or sent to you in the post to do in your own home. However, sometimes a member of the medical team may need to examine you. STI screening should be carried out if you have had sex without using condoms, as other forms of contraception do not protect against STIs. All testing is carried out confidentially.
Symptoms that can be seen with STIs include:
- unusual vaginal discharge
- a burning sensation on passing urine
- lower abdominal pain
- pain during sex
- bleeding after sex or in between periods
- sores, ulcers, scratches, a rash or blisters in the genital area, or around the anus
- itching or soreness
However, commonly STIs have no symptoms at all. Untreated, they can lead to reduced fertility (i.e. ability to have a baby) or a more serious infection. STI testing can be carried out at sexual health clinics such as the Umbrella clinics (which are run by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust).
Useful contacts
Young adult team secretary
Young adult support nurse
Useful websites
To find your closest family planning clinic, visit the link below:
For detailed information about contraceptive choices, visit the link below:
The Birmingham and Solihull Sexual Health service provides contraception and STI testing/advice. To find out more visit the link below:
Last reviewed: 09 November 2023