Promoting safe sexual practices and sexual health maintenance in pediatric and young adult solid organ transplant recipients

Abstract

Navigating the balance of autonomy, independence, and self-discovery are some of the chief hallmarks of adolescence. For solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients, adolescence and young adulthood (AYA) are fraught with added complexities such as maintaining the complex medication regimens necessary to maintain the patient and allograft's health. This time also brings with it physiologic and psychosocial changes which require special attention. Many SOT programs seek to meet these needs by

Pregnancy after transplant in the older adolescent: Anticipatory guidance for the pediatric provider

“…It is vital to have an open conversation with the AYA SOT recipients without their parents. [5][6][7][8] This is also recommended in transition to adult care models, so AYA can feel comfortable with their caregivers discussing sexual health. 3,14 It is crucial that AYA realize that pregnancy is possible very soon after transplant and that they must take precautions if they are sexually active and not desiring a pregnancy.…”

“…Detailed contraception counseling and recommendations for AYA SOT recipients plus screening recommendations for STIs were recently published. 5 STI screening and treatment are not discussed further here. A brief overview of contraception and recommendations for AYA follows.…”

“…[2][3][4] It is critical to inform AYA that there is the potential for pregnancy if they are sexually active and that effective contraception can prevent pregnancy. 5 Contraception is a vital part of transplant education for persons of childbearing potential. This education should be provided at all time points, that is, before and after transplantation and as part of long-term follow-up.…”

“…Family planning and contraception are essential for the SOT recipients to avoid teratogenic medications and as outcomes for the transplanted organ and offspring are improved with a planned pregnancy. 5 As data regarding these topics are scant for AYA SOT recipients, most information is extrapolated from adult care. 3,[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Adult and AYA SOT recipients report that they want additional information…”

“…5 As data regarding these topics are scant for AYA SOT recipients, most information is extrapolated from adult care. 3,[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Adult and AYA SOT recipients report that they want additional information…”