A key limitation of previous studies is that they were undertaken prior to the availability of many of the newer DMTs and therefore do not reflect contemporary practice. Furthermore, female patients with MS have expressed a greater desire for counselling and support specifically related to reproductive decision-making. Previous research has focused on females and has generally reported that female patients with MS experienced inconsistent management of their MS before, during and after being pregnant, ,. Such insights are critical for improving understanding of information and health service needs to supporting individuals with MS on their reproductive journey. Despite the availability of such recommendations and resources, there has been limited exploration of the experiences of those living with MS with respect to family planning. Recommendations and tools have been published previously to help guide HCPs and patients with MS to navigate decision-making about family planning. Less is known about the impacts of DMTs on male fertility and reproductive outcomes. This carries the risk of a deterioration in symptom management and an increased risk of relapse occurring within the first three months postpartum.
For female patients taking certain DMTs, guidelines commonly recommend concurrent use of contraception to prevent risk of unintended pregnancy and that the DMT be ceased during pregnancy. This leads to concerns about safety of use among those planning a pregnancy and in those who are currently pregnant. Disease modifying treatments (DMTs) are the mainstay of MS treatment, yet for many DMTs there is uncertainty about their potential effects on fertility or foetal development. While there is no clear evidence that MS itself is associated with male or female infertility or adverse pregnancy outcomes, concerns about the reproductive effects of MS treatments as well as potential disease progression if treatments are ceased are common among those living with MS. In the context of this research, family planning relates to the areas of contraception, fertility, pregnancy and postpartum. Īs the diagnosis of MS typically coincides with the peak reproductive years, the disease and its management present several unique challenges among female and male patients regarding family planning. The average age of diagnosis of the disease is 32 years (20–50 years of age) and females have a threefold higher risk of developing MS than males. Approximately three million people worldwide live with MS. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, neurological disease that affects the central nervous system.
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