Family planning and contraception in people with multiple sclerosis: perspectives for obstetricians, gynaecologists, and other health care professionals involved in reproductive planning.

Abstract

Purpose: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is often diagnosed in people of reproductive age. However, family planning counselling is not always integrated within MS care. Decisions on family planning can be further complicated by potential side effects associated with several disease-modifying therapies. While neurologists may lack training in contraceptive use and family planning counselling, obstetricians and gynaecologists (OB-GYNs) and other health care professionals involved in reproductive life planning (RHCPs) may lack detailed knowledge and experience around the use of contemporary MS treatments.

Material and methods: Through a modified Delphi consensus programme, a multidisciplinary steering committee of 13 international experts developed practical clinical recommendations on contraceptive use and family planning for people with MS (PwMS). This article offers insights to help OB-GYNs and RHCPs implement these recommendations, focusing on contraceptive decision-making and MS medications.

Results: The perspectives discussed emphasise providing education on MS to OB-GYNs and other RHCPs, enabling informed counselling for PwMS and their partners regarding contraception and family planning. Close collaboration among the multidisciplinary team, including neurologists, is crucial in providing reproductive care for PwMS.

Conclusions: The detailed perspectives provided aim to enable OB-GYNs and other RHCPs to provide informed counselling for PwMS and their partners regarding contraception and family planning.