Multiple sclerosis (MS) is diagnosed most commonly in young adulthood, when men and women are in the process of making important lifestyle, career, and family decisions. Reproductive issues are among those of greatest concern to those living with this unpredictable, chronic disease, and the concerns are emotional and social as well as medical. The following facts can help inform conversations between MS patients and their healthcare providers:

• MS and conception
• The impact of pregnancy on MS
• Disease management before, during, and after pregnancy
• Symptom and relapse management during pregnancy
• Delivery considerations and the post-partum period
• MS and the menstrual cycle
• MS and menopause

Additional information

•  Reproductive Issues in Persons with MS (.pdf)
  by Barbara Giesser, MD
• Talking about reproductive issues (.pdf)
  This booklet is designed to facilitate conversations with your patients about reproductive issues.