Abstract | BACKGROUND: There is growing interest about the quality of life of female transplant recipients, including their sexual and reproductive health. Although menstrual irregularity and infertility are common in women with advanced chronic diseases, most regain their reproductive function shortly after transplantation. Because an unplanned pregnancy soon after transplantation can expose both mother and fetus to considerable risk, it is recommended that these women should receive contraceptive counseling. However, the actual implementation and effectiveness of this recommendation has not been extensively studied. METHODS: A total of 197 reproductive age, female, stable kidney graft recipients attending a large Brazilian transplantation clinic were interviewed. They were asked about menstrual pattern, sexual activity, counseling, and their use of contraceptive methods both before and after the transplant. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: Although most female kidney transplant recipients were sexually active both before and after transplantation, many were not counseled about the need for contraception and did not use any form of birth control. Health professionals involved in the management of these patients need to include contraceptive counseling as part of their routine care.
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Authors | Cristina A F Guazzelli, Maria R Torloni, Tatila F Sanches, Márcia Barbieri, Jose O M A Pestana |
Journal | Transplantation
(Transplantation)
Vol. 86
Issue 5
Pg. 669-72
(Sep 15 2008)
ISSN: 1534-6080 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 18791448
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Contraceptive Agents, Female
- Immunosuppressive Agents
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Brazil
- Contraceptive Agents, Female
- Counseling
- Female
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Interviews as Topic
- Kidney Transplantation
(immunology, physiology)
- Menstruation
- Middle Aged
- Pregnancy
- Sexual Behavior
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