Healthcare for Women
The Epilepsy Foundation (of America) recently surveyed more than 3,500 healthcare professionals in that country about special treatment needs of women living with epilepsy. Of the respondents, - 73% could not identify which antiseizure medications (AEDs) are known to interfere with oral contraceptives (phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, carbamazepine and topiramate);
- only 25% were aware that reproductive disorders are more common among women with epilepsy;
- only 11% knew about epilepsy-related sexual dysfunction;
- 50% were unsure of the frequency of birth defects; and
- >40% answered "unsure" to more than 70% of the questions asked.
Compared with women in the general population, women living with epilepsy are more likely to experience sexual difficulties and disruptions to their menstrual cycle, may experience greater difficulties in becoming pregnant, and may be at greater risk of osteoporosis. AEDs may interfere with oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. Some AEDs taken during pregnancy have been associated with a greater risk of birth defects.
It is estimated that at least 25 million women worldwide live with epilepsy.
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