Reproductive and contraceptive characteristics of premenopausal kidney transplant recipients

To obtain information on menstrual patterns before and after transplantation, desire for future pregnancy, and use of contraception among premenopausal kidney transplant recipients.

This observational study collected information using self-administered anonymous questionnaires during a routine outpatient clinic visit.

Of the 107 women who completed the questionnaire, 41 identified themselves as being premenopausal. Among the 41 premenopausal women, approximately half of the women reported their current menstrual patterns as normal and 26% were not using any form of contraception. Overall, 10 women (24%) reported a desire to become pregnant and 4 women (10%) had a successful pregnancy after transplantation. Most of the women who desired a future pregnancy (8/10) were receiving an immunosuppressive regimen that included mycophenolate mofetil.

Kidney transplantation in the current era is associated with a return of normal menstrual function in the majority of female transplant recipients. A substantial fraction of women desire pregnancy after transplantation and many are using an immunosuppressive drug with limited safety data on use during pregnancy. More caution should be used with the use of newer immunosuppressive agents in sexually active premenopausal transplant recipients until more safety data are available.