[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/04\/can-you-live-with-one-kidney\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/04\/can-you-live-with-one-kidney\/","headline":"Can You Live With One Kidney?","name":"Can You Live With One Kidney?","description":"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.","datePublished":"2017-04-07","dateModified":"2025-07-31","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/transplant","name":"Transplant Services","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/transplant","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/transplant-services\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/can-you-live-without-kidneys.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/can-you-live-without-kidneys.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/04\/can-you-live-with-one-kidney\/","about":["Kidney Transplant","Living and Wellness","Transplant"],"wordCount":370,"keywords":["kidney removal","kidney transplant","living donor transplant","organ donation"],"articleBody":"The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs found just below the rib cage. Most people are born with two \u2014 one on each side of the spine.Among the body\u2019s vital organs, your kidneys 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 fluids and produce hormones that help your body:Build healthy and strong bones.Regulate blood pressure.Produce red blood cells.Can you live with one kidney?Yes \u2014 it is possible to live a perfectly healthy life with only one working kidney.Reasons for Having One KidneyAgain, most people are born with two working kidneys. But sometimes, only one kidney works. And some people are born with only one kidney.The reasons for having only one working kidney may vary and can include:Renal agenesis\u00a0\u2014 A condition where someone is born with only one kidney.Kidney dysplasia\u00a0\u2014 A condition where someone is born with two kidneys, but only one of them works.Kidney removal\u00a0\u2014 Certain diseases may require the removal of one kidney.Living-donor kidney transplant\u00a0\u2014 You can donate one of your kidneys to a person who needs a kidney transplant.Living-Donor Kidney TransplantsBecause it is possible to live with only one kidney, you can donate one of your working kidneys to someone else.There\u2019s a growing kidney transplant waiting list, but a shortage of organs. Living-donor kidney transplants are a lifesaving 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 DonorWith more than 96,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant, living-donor kidney transplants save lives.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 \u2014 such as\u00a0diabetes, uncontrolled\u00a0high blood pressure, or cancer.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on April 7, 2017, and was last reviewed on July 31, 2025."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"04","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/04\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Can You Live With One Kidney?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/04\/can-you-live-with-one-kidney\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]