Getting Started With Living Kidney Donation

They can get a transplant sooner 
With a living donor, people can receive a kidney in just a few months. Without a living donor, the wait is often 4 to 10 years, depending on blood type.

They have better health outcomes
Getting a transplant sooner helps people feel better and live healthier lives. This is because being on dialysis is different from having a working kidney that cleans your blood all day.

The kidney usually lasts longer 
Kidneys from living donors often work for 15 to 20 years while kidneys from donors who have passed away usually last for 5 to 10 years.

Some people can avoid dialysis completely
A living donor may allow some people to get a kidney transplant before dialysis is needed. This is called a pre-emptive kidney transplant.

Many people have questions about their own safety as a donor.

Your health comes first
All potential donors will have a detailed medical evaluation to ensure their safety during and after kidney donation. This is separate from that of the person receiving the kidney, so that there is no pressure or conflict of interest.

You can return to normal life after donation
Those who donate a kidney can continue to live a normal, healthy life after surgery. Donating a kidney does not require long-term medicines or limits on diet, exercise, travel, or daily activities.

The risk of kidney disease is very low
Research shows that living kidney donors have a very low chance of developing kidney failure. This is likely because donors are carefully screened.

You are protected if problems arise
In the unlikely event that a living kidney donor develops kidney disease, they receive priority on the transplant waiting list for a kidney from someone who has passed away.

You are always in control
You can stop the donation process at any time, for any reason.