Empowering women with epilepsy…
Navigating the world as a woman is complex, right through from puberty and sexual development, to menstruation, fertility, contraception, pregnancy, and menopause. But when you have epilepsy, there are extra issues to consider.
In addition to the day-to-day challenges shared by all people with epilepsy, women with epilepsy have to confront a set of unique issues. We’re here to help, with support and information for every woman with epilepsy, from childhood to menopause and beyond.
To get started and learn more about epilepsy in general and what women in particular should know, see our introduction to epilepsy in women.
…across the life-course
When surveying women with epilepsy, we identified a wide array of issues that women face whilst living with epilepsy. For women of childbearing age, our survey showed the largest information gap, which has informed much of the information of this website including trying for a baby, pregnancy, and post-partum.
In addition to this, the website aims to provide useful information on epilepsy throughout the life course, including epilepsy and sex, epilepsy during puberty, epilepsy and transgender and non-binary people, epilepsy at menopause, aging with epilepsy, and more.
Whatever stage of life you’re at as a woman with epilepsy, we have information to support you…
Even if you don’t plan to get pregnant any time soon, there are things it’s vital to understand.
Click here for information
As a woman with epilepsy, you need to plan well ahead of any potential pregnancy, so you can have the healthiest pregnancy possible.
More information
Being pregnant is a wondrous time but if you have epilepsy you’ll need to be mindful of certain issues and take some preventative measures.
More information
This is a precious and exciting time for new parents. But it is also a time full of questions and, often, worries.
Click here for information
Even if you don’t plan to get pregnant any time soon, there are things it’s vital to understand.
Click here for information
As a woman with epilepsy, you need to plan well ahead of any potential pregnancy, so you can have the healthiest pregnancy possible.
More information
Being pregnant is a wondrous time but if you have epilepsy you’ll need to be mindful of certain issues and take some preventative measures.
More information
This is a precious and exciting time for new parents. But it is also a time full of questions and, often, worries.
Click here for information
Information for medical professionals
Women with epilepsy must contend with different challenges than men with epilepsy. Women need to be able to discuss issues of concern with their healthcare provider, especially during their childbearing years.
Women may have questions about medication and reducing risk when it comes to:
- birth control
- fertility and planning a pregnancy
- implications and outcomes for children exposed to anti-seizure medications in utero
- labor and delivery
- lactation and what to expect postpartum
Women and girls with epilepsy may also have other concerns at different stages of life. This resource aims to cover some of the most common concerns that a woman with epilepsy may bring to her healthcare provider.
