Experts destroy five myths about donating living kidneys

Unfortunately, over 90,000 people in the US are on the waiting list for their kidneys, but we expect less than a third of those waiting for a kidney transplant will win one this year. This is because the incidence of chronic kidney disease, which can lead to renal failure, continues to climb around the world. But there is a way to help. A healthy person can donate one of their kidneys and give someone a much needed second chance.

“For people with kidney failure, receiving kidneys from a living donor is the best option possible. When a healthy person donates their kidneys, they give someone a second chance.

In 2024, more than 6,400 kidney donations were made, and although they have increased in recent years, they are still less than five years ago. Here, experts at Mayo Clinic help to dispel some of the most common myths surrounding live kidney donations.

Myth: Living kidney donors must be perfectly healthy.

error. It is important for kidney donors to be healthy in general, but there is no expectation that the donor will be in perfect health. For example, some potential donors with controlled hypertension or type 2 diabetes are eligible to become donors. All potential donors are at least 18 and should undergo a rigorous medical and psychological evaluation to ensure that they are good candidates to donate. At Mayo Clinic, these assessments can be completed in one day.

Myth: No one over the age of 50 can become a living donor.

error. Over 50 people are living donors.

“We accept donors starting at age 18. There is no age limit for someone to become a kidney donor. We will do a comprehensive assessment to ensure that all potential donors are the right candidates regardless of age.”

Myth: You must be related to someone to become a match.

error. Anyone can become a living kidney donor. You can consider donating your kidneys to relatives, friends, acquaintances, or anonymously to someone on the waiting list. A potential donor you want to give to your family or friends may not be the best match for that recipient.

In such circumstances, the donation of the pair is considered. Donors and recipients match other donors and recipients and create what they call kidney chains. Those who don't have a particular recipient in mind can also donate to strangers via undirected donations.

Myth: Kidney donors cannot live an active lifestyle after giving.

error. In most cases, kidney donors can return to normal activity 4-6 weeks after surgery. Most donors undergo laparoscopic surgery, involving several small incisions instead of larger incisions. In some cases, minimal robotic surgery is also an option. Both types of surgery reduce recovery time. Many donors return to their hobbies such as running, cycling, and swimming. Like any surgeries, it is important that there are risks and potential donors discuss them with the medical team.

Myth: Donating your kidneys shortens your lifespan.

error. Studies have shown that donating kidneys does not shorten your lifespan. In fact, kidney donors tend to live longer than the general population.

“Kidney donors undergo rigorous screening before giving, and those accepted as donors are often healthier than the general baseline population. These individuals often continue to continue a healthy lifestyle that can lead to longer life expectancy.

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