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ROCHESTER, Minn. — More than 90,000 people are on the waiting list for a kidney in the U.S. Unfortunately, less than a third of those waiting for a kidney transplant can expect to get one this year. This comes as rates of chronic kidney disease, which can lead to kidney failure, continue to climb across the globe. But there is a way to help. Healthy people can donate one of their kidneys, giving someone a much-needed second chance.
"For people with kidney failure, receiving a kidney from a living donor is the best possible option. When healthy people donate a kidney, they give someone a second chance. This helps kidney recipients get transplanted faster and enjoy a healthier life," says Carrie Jadlowiec, M.D., Mayo Clinic transplant surgeon.
There were more than 6,400 living kidney donations in 2024. And while the number has increased in recent years, it is still less than it was five years ago. Ahead of World Kidney Day on March 13, Mayo Clinic experts are helping dispel some of the most common myths surrounding living kidney donation.
Myth: Living kidney donors need to be in perfect health.
False. While it is important for kidney donors to generally be in good health, there is no expectation that donors be in perfect health. For example, some potential donors with controlled high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes are eligible to be donors. All potential donors need to be at least 18 and undergo a rigorous medical and psychological evaluation to make sure they are a good candidate to donate. At Mayo Clinic, those evaluations can be completed in a single day.
Myth: Anyone over age 50 can't be a living donor.
False. Plenty of people over 50 are living donors.
"We accept donors starting at age 18. There is no upper age limit for someone to be a kidney donor. We do a comprehensive assessment on all potential donors, regardless of their age, to make sure they are an appropriate candidate," says Ty Diwan, M.D., Mayo Clinic transplant surgeon.
Myth: You must be related to someone to be a match.
False. Anyone can be a living kidney donor. You can consider donating a kidney to a relative, friend, acquaintance or anonymously to someone on the waiting list. Sometimes a potential donor who wants to give to a family member or a friend isn't an optimal match for that recipient. In those situations, paired donation is considered. Donors and recipients are matched with other donors and recipients, creating what is known as a kidney chain. People without a specific recipient in mind can also choose to donate to a stranger via nondirected donation.
Myth: Kidney donors can't live an active lifestyle after donation.
False. In most cases, kidney donors can return to normal activities four to six weeks after surgery. Most donors undergo a laparoscopic procedure that involves making a few small incisions instead of a larger one. In some cases, minimally robotic surgery is also an option. Both types of surgery reduce recovery time. Many donors return to their pre-donation hobbies such as running, biking and swimming. As with any surgery, there are risks, and it is important for potential donors to discuss those with their healthcare team.
Myth: Donating a kidney shortens your lifespan.
False. Multiple studies have shown that donating a kidney does not shorten one's lifespan. In fact, kidney donors tend to live longer than the general population.
"Kidney donors undergo rigorous screening prior to donation, and those accepted as donors are often healthier than the general population at baseline. These individuals often continue to live healthy lifestyles post-donation, which can lead to a longer lifespan," says Shennen Mao, M.D., Mayo Clinic transplant surgeon.
Mayo Clinic has several transplant physicians who can talk about living kidney donation, including:
- Ty Diwan, M.D., a transplant surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester
- Carrie Jadlowiec, M.D., a transplant surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Arizona
- Shennen Mao, M.D., a transplant surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Florida
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About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news.
Media contact:
- Heather Carlson Kehren, Mayo Clinic Communications, newsbureau@mayo.edu
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