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Can you live long without a kidney?

Can you live without kidneys? Because your kidneys are so important, you cannot live without them. But it is possible to live a perfectly healthy life with only one working kidney.

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Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs found just below the rib cage. Most people are born with two — one on each side of the spine. Your kidneys are two of the most vital organs in your body. They work to keep your blood stable, allowing your body to function properly. Each day your kidneys filter about 120 to 150 quarts of blood into urine. They prevent the buildup of waste and extra fluid, and produce hormones that help your body:

Regulate blood pressure

Produce red blood cells

Build healthy and strong bones

Can you live without kidneys?

Because your kidneys are so important, you cannot live without them. But it is possible to live a perfectly healthy life with only one working kidney. Never Miss a Beat! Subscribe to Our HealthBeat Newsletter! (Tap to Join!) (Click to Join!) Enter your email to subscribe Continue I understand that by providing my email address, I agree to receive emails from UPMC. I understand that I may opt out of receiving such communications at any time. Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, an error occurred. Please try again later. Get Healthy Tips Sent to Your Phone! Enter your mobile phone number Text Me Message and data rates may apply. Text the word STOP to opt out and HELP for help. Click here to view the privacy and terms.

Reasons for Having One Kidney

Again, most people are born with two working kidneys.But sometimes, just one kidney works. And some people are born with only one kidney.

The reasons for this may vary and can include:

Renal agenesis — a condition where someone is born with only one kidney. — a condition where someone is born with only one kidney. Kidney dysplasia — a condition where someone is born with two kidneys but only one of them works. — a condition where someone is born with two kidneys but only one of them works. Kidney removal — certain diseases may require you to actually have one of your kidneys removed. — certain diseases may require you to actually have one of your kidneys removed. Living-donor kidney transplant — you can donate one of your kidneys to a person who needs a kidney transplant.

Living-Donor Kidney Transplants

Because it is possible to live with only one kidney, you can donate one of your working kidneys to someone else. There’s a growing kidney transplant waiting list, but a shortage of organs. Living-donor kidney transplants are a life-saving option for someone in need of a kidney transplant. During a living-donor kidney transplant, doctors remove one of your healthy kidneys and transplant it into a person with a failing kidney. After you heal, you can go back to your normal daily routine and live a healthy life with one kidney.

Become a Living Kidney Donor

With more than 96,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant, living-donor kidney transplants save lives. So, while you need at least one kidney to live, you can donate the other to someone in need.

To be a living kidney donor you must:

Be between the ages of 18 and 75.

Be in good general health.

Be free from diseases that can damage the organs — such as diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or cancer.

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