Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious, life-altering condition. Patients who are diagnosed are often of childbearing potential. Given the well-documented risks associated with this condition during pregnancy, as well as risks to the fetus from medications used to treat this disorder, patients should be strongly advised against pregnancy. Despite this, patients still become pregnant, leading to the question of whether care providers are counseling patients and their partners about the risks of pregnancy, methods of contraception, and issues of intimacy on a regular basis. We have conducted a survey of pulmonary hypertension specialist physicians and allied healthcare professionals on their practice patterns related to counseling on intimacy, contraception, and pregnancy prevention. Most respondents indicated they are counseling on these issues to varying degrees, but our survey pointed to several areas where improvements can be made. The most significant barrier to counseling for all respondents was lack of time. Survey respondents reported that a large percentage of the pregnancies seen in their practices were either intentional or due to contraceptive non-compliance. We review specific practical approaches to initiate reproductive health counseling as well as ways to integrate this important aspect of PAH care into regular practice routines and documentation. Protocols regarding pregnancy avoidance and PAH should be developed and become standard procedure.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.