Visual supports and informative material not to forget counselling on reproductive health in dialysis: a point of view.

Abstract

Contraception, pregnancy and fertility are seldom discussed with women receiving dialysis and the medical staff of dialysis centres. Since the majority of women on dialysis are past childbearing age, these themes are not always given proper consideration and this category of patients may be missing important information. Young women of childbearing age who are on dialysis frequently experience sexual dysfunction and hormonal disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In addition, dialysis often has a relevant psychological impact and affects the person's social role. Physical changes may accompany kidney failure, including the presence of a vascular or peritoneal access. The dialysis ward is not a place that facilitates privacy, and discussing contraception is not always easy, particularly in some cultural contexts, or between a male doctor and a young woman. While pregnancy and contraception are routinely addressed with women waiting for a kidney transplant, they are less frequently discussed with women on dialysis. Numerous studies have found that over half of the pregnancies in women on dialysis are unplanned. How frequently patients are seen (at each dialysis session, or during periodic visits) does not necessarily make things better, as often some issues are taken for granted or discussing them is postponed. In our centre, over 160 patients are on chronic hemodialysis (HD) and 20 are on peritoneal or home HD. Only nine women were of childbearing agein our center, all on HD. We discussed with them on counselling about pregnancy, and to ensure that all women of childbearing age would be offered counselling on contraception and pregnancy, we designed simple leaflets and an infographic, in collaboration with our nursing team and residents, as a guide and a reminder for our staff to discuss these topics with the patients.