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Published on: June 30, 2014
Reproductive decision making after the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS).
1Faculty of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Canada.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|July 5, 2012
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis does not prevent childbearing for many North Americans. Key reasons for not having children after diagnosis include MS symptoms and concerns about genetic inheritance.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Reproductive Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting young adults.
- Reproductive choices are significant for individuals diagnosed with MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate reproductive practices and attitudes among North Americans with MS.
- To understand the factors influencing reproductive decisions in the MS population.
Main Methods:
- A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 13,312 individuals in the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) database.
- Anonymous questionnaires were returned for data analysis.
Main Results:
- 79.1% of 5949 participants did not conceive post-MS diagnosis, citing MS symptoms, partner burden, and inheritance concerns.
- Non-MS-related reasons included having a completed family (55.6%).
- 20.9% of participants pursued pregnancy after diagnosis, with 49.5% having multiple pregnancies.
Conclusions:
- An MS diagnosis does not eliminate childbearing considerations for affected individuals.
- Reproductive decisions in MS patients are influenced by a combination of disease-related and personal factors.
