Is IgA nephropathy sexually transmitted?

Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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IgA nephropathy, a type of chronic glomerulonephritis, does not transmit through sexual intercourse. This condition involves a sterile inflammatory response within the glomeruli of the kidneys, not caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Instead, it results from an immune dysfunction, causing inflammation in the glomeruli without any infectious agents. Therefore, IgA nephropathy is not contagious, and sexual intercourse does not pose a risk of transmitting the condition to a sexual partner. As such, patients with IgA nephropathy can engage in sexual activities if their physical condition permits.

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Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
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Can IgA nephropathy hematuria heal itself?

Hematuria is the most common clinical manifestation of IgA nephropathy. As IgA nephropathy is a chronic disease and not self-healing, the hematuria associated with it does not resolve on its own and will repeatedly occur or exacerbate. Typically, patients with IgA nephropathy exhibit microscopic hematuria when the condition is stable. However, gross hematuria may appear during physical exertion or respiratory infections, such as pharyngitis. In addition, IgA nephropathy patients also show increased urinary protein and can experience elevated blood pressure. Back pain is also a common clinical manifestation in patients with IgA nephropathy, so there is no need to be overly concerned about the presence of blood in the urine.

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Written by Niu Yan Lin
Nephrology
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Can patients with IgA nephropathy eat peaches?

Patients with IgA nephropathy vary greatly in the severity of their condition, and whether they can eat peaches depends on their individual disease state. If a patient does not have increased creatinine levels and no edema, they can eat peaches like a normal person without any restrictions on quantity. If the patient has increased creatinine levels, they need to control the amount of peaches they consume. This is because, in patients with elevated creatinine, the glomerular filtration rate is decreased, and a decrease in glomerular filtration rate can lead to an inability to expel excess potassium ions from the body. Peaches are a fruit with a high potassium content, and if such patients consume too many peaches, it can lead to hyperkalemia. Mild cases may experience weakness and numbness in the limbs, while severe cases can lead to potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias.

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Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
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Can IgA nephropathy affect menstruation?

IgA nephropathy is a very common glomerular disease in the department of nephrology and is often seen in adolescents, affecting both males and females. Generally, IgA nephropathy itself does not affect menstruation. However, if hormones or immunosuppressants are used during the treatment of IgA nephropathy, it may affect the menstrual cycle or the amount of menstrual flow. In other words, some patients with IgA nephropathy may experience delayed menstruation, reduced menstrual flow, or even increased menstrual flow while using these medications. Therefore, for patients with abnormal menstruation, it is important to report to the doctor in a timely manner and to actively undergo relevant examinations to rule out other causes. If there are no other factors, medication treatment can continue while regularly monitoring kidney function and changes in routine urine tests.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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How is IgA nephropathy diagnosed?

The diagnosis of IgA nephropathy relies on pathological examination. The name "IgA nephropathy" itself is a term used in immunopathological diagnosis, describing a type of chronic glomerulonephritis. There are many reasons that can cause inflammatory reactions in the kidneys, and the underlying mechanisms of the disease vary. Specifically, IgA nephropathy refers to the abnormal deposition of IgA immune complexes in the mesangial areas of the glomeruli. Therefore, a pathological examination is necessary for diagnosis. Typically, under a light microscope, proliferation of mesangial cells and widening of the mesangial areas can be observed. Additionally, immunofluorescence testing is conducted to detect a large presence of IgA immune complexes in the glomerular mesangial areas, confirming the diagnosis of IgA nephropathy.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Can IgA nephropathy be cured?

IgA nephropathy cannot be completely cured. IgA nephropathy is a type of chronic glomerulonephritis and is a chronic disease. Currently, it is incurable in medical practice. However, many patients have only mild symptoms, such as mild hematuria, proteinuria, and minor kidney damage, and timely long-term management of the disease usually does not lead to severe consequences. Some patients, on the other hand, have relatively severe conditions and require treatment with steroid medications. Most of these patients can achieve relatively good treatment outcomes and ultimately avoid severe kidney failure. However, a very small number of patients may eventually experience significant proteinuria and even severe renal failure.