Fertility Literacy for Women in Primary Care Settings

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published recommendations to improve health and health care for women before and between pregnancies. However, reproductive health is also sensitive to behaviors and conditions that are associated with chronic disease later in life. Fertility literacy, as a part of health literacy, is important for improving reproductive health, pregnancy outcomes, and chronic disease prevention. The key elements to educating women about modifiable risk factors and their effects on fertility are outlined. These topics are easily addressed as a part of health promotion at a primary care visit.