According to several studies, even though more women than men suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), males are more likely to get kidney failure than women. Because of this, being male is considered a risk factor that might forecast a shorter amount of time before kidney failure sets in.
The factors contributing to these variances between the sexes are unknown. Women may be more prone to developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) because they have urinary tract infections more often, which may lead to damage to the kidneys.
The complications that might arise during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure or eclampsia, put women at an elevated risk for kidney injury. This risk is also enhanced for males.
Because of the difference in hormone levels between the sexes, there is a possibility that males may get kidney failure earlier than women. Men with higher testosterone levels may see a decline in their kidney function.
On the other hand, estrogen, which is more prevalent in women until menopause, may not provide the same level of protection for men’s kidneys.
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Who Has The Unhealthier Lifestyle?
In general, males may live less healthily than women, resulting in a greater likelihood of kidney failure.
Also, in studies, males may have been counted as having kidney failure at a younger age than women since men may have received dialysis or a kidney transplant earlier than women.
This might explain why men were considered to have kidney failure at a younger age.
Although there may have been a greater number of women who suffered from kidney failure, it is possible that these women were not included in the research because they were not on dialysis or did not undergo a kidney transplant.
No matter what gender we are, we need to make sure that our kidneys are healthy. Anyone is at risk for developing kidney failure.
What Can Men And Women Do To Protect Their Kidneys?
Women
- Initiate high-quality prenatal care as soon as feasible.
- Urinary tract infections must be treated immediately.
- Women with CKD need to know which forms of contraception might potentially affect their kidneys and which could be used safely during pregnancy.
Men
- Discuss the potential risks to your kidney health from any prostate or hormone therapies with your healthcare providers.
- It would be best to ask your medical staff whether your enlarged prostate is blocking your urinary system.
Everyone
- Check your kidney health once a year, at the very least. Your healthcare provider can determine your eGFR with a simple blood test. In addition, they will test your urine for protein (albumin) by calculating your urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR). There may be kidney injury if there is protein in the urine.
- If your blood pressure is too high, take steps to lower it.
- If diabetes is a problem, it must be managed.
- In general, people with CKD should avoid using NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen.
- Tell your doctor if you have CKD before undergoing any contrast dye test.
- Don’t light up.
- Engage in regular physical activity and consume a diet rich in nutritious foods and low in sugar, saturated fat, and salt. Eat less of the processed foods.
- Maintain a healthy body weight. If your doctor or healthcare team recommends losing weight, do so.
- Before taking any supplements for your health, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, or diet and exercise aids, you should consult with your healthcare provider. Many of these items are harmful to the kidneys.
- Take medications as safely and effectively as possible, considering your age and kidney health. Talk to your medical staff about this.