Reproductive health issues are an important aspect of caring for patients with chronic kidney disease; however, it is unclear how frequent these conversations take place during a clinic visit. Discussions about pregnancy, fertility, and contraception will shape family planning and impact renal disease management. The goal of this study was to determine the frequency of contraception and pregnancy counseling in nephrology clinic visit using chart review of the electronic medical records. Sixty percent of the 125 female patients ( n=74) seen in a general nephrology clinic received reproductive health counseling. Of the 125 patient charts reviewed, 30 received comprehensive counseling (24%), 44 received intermediate counseling (35.2%), and 51 received no counseling (40.8%). Patient factors including age, race, and severity of renal disease did not impact of counseling in this study. Dialysis patients were disproportionately not counseled. Continued discussions about women’s health issues continue to be a pivotal part of caring for patients with chronic kidney disease.
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