Contraception and epilepsy

Last updated 19 Apr 2011, review date due 05 Apr 2013

Planning a pregnancy
Contraception and hormones
Further sources of information about contraception

Planning a pregnancy

If you have epilepsy, it’s a good idea to plan every pregnancy, if you can. This is because you have a slightly higher risk of complications during pregnancy than someone who doesn’t have epilepsy. If you plan your pregnancy carefully, with advice from your epilepsy specialist or epilepsy specialist nurse, these risks may be lowered.

If you are sexually active and you want to avoid getting pregnant, it’s important to find a form of contraception that works well for you.

More information about planning a pregnancy

Contraception and hormones

Some forms of contraception use hormones to stop you becoming pregnant. For example, the Pill, contraceptive patches and vaginal rings contain both the hormones oestrogen and progestogen. Contraceptive implants, the mini-pill and contraceptive injections contain just progestogen.

Further sources of information about contraception

It’s advisable to discuss your contraception choices with your own doctor or staff at your local family planning clinic. They can help you choose a contraception that will work well for you, and which also suits your lifestyle. It’s important that you are happy with your choice and that you know how to use it correctly, This will help to reduce the risks of any unplanned pregnancies.

Further advice and information about contraception is available from the following organisations.