relationships

It is understandable for anyone with epilepsy to be concerned about establishing a stable relationship with another person, and the possibility of having children. However, many people with epilepsy have healthy, happy relationships and produce normal healthy children. Couples must be open and frank with each other and discuss the epilepsy and the implications for life together.

sex drive

Some people with epilepsy become concerned that their sex drive may be adversely affected by the epilepsy itself and/or their anti-epileptic medication. Research has been limited by there is some evidence to suggest that both epilepsy and anti-epileptic medication can lower sex drive in a few cases. If you are concerned seek medical advice.

fertility

The effect of epilepsy on fertility has been the subject of limited research and results have indicated that some people do experience reduced fertility. As yet, however, there has been no definite evidence to suggest that anti-epileptic medication adversely affect fertility. If you are experiencing any problems with conception, contact your doctor for advice.

inheritance

It is understandable for people with epilepsy to be concerned about ‘passing on’ their epilepsy to their children. Any child born to a couple, one of whom has epilepsy, will have an increased risk of having epilepsy, but the actual increase in risk is usually small. If both parents have epilepsy, the odds will be somewhat higher. This is determined by the nature of the parents’ epilepsy. Primary generalised epilepsy (especially juvenile myoclonic epilepsy) is much more likely to be inherited than secondary epilepsy, e.g. due to brain injury. If you are concerned, ask your doctor, who may advise you to seek the guidance of a genetic counsellor.

pre-conception counselling

A major advance in epilepsy care is the introduction of pre-conception counselling which relates to your health, lifestyle and how best the epilepsy can be managed during pregnancy. When a couple first sees a doctor to discuss conception, it is important for the diagnosis to be reconsidered and the drug therapy reviewed. To be of real value this counselling should occur at least 6-12 months before conception. High doses of folic acid should be taken by the future mother for 2 months before conception and for at least the first 3 months of pregnancy.