Ibis Reproductive Health

Investigating the reproductive health needs of women with epilepsy

Epilepsy, a poorly understood and often stigmatized condition, is the most common neurological disorder in women of reproductive age, affecting more than one million women in the US. Contraceptive and pregnancy decision making for women with the disorder can be complex as the most common medications used to treat epilepsy reduce the efficacy of most hormonal contraceptive methods and increase the risk of congenital malformations in offspring if taken during pregnancy.

In October 2010, Ibis embarked on a research project to investigate the unique issues women with epilepsy encounter when making reproductive health decisions. Ibis seeks to better understand how women with epilepsy interpret risks associated with taking medications while using hormonal contraception or while pregnant, and how their understandings of these risks influence their reproductive health decisions. This ongoing study has three components: 1) Evaluation of family planning guidelines for women with epilepsy; 2) Content analysis of online forums used by women with epilepsy, and 3) In-depth interviews with women with epilepsy about their reproductive health decision making. The results of this study will inform the development of a tool to aid the reproductive decision making of women with epilepsy and will help to build further research.

We are currently recruiting for this study. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Amanda Dennis.

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