Journal Article

Definitive childlessness in women with multiple sclerosis: a multicenter study

Montanari, Enrico, Motti, Luisa, Tola, Maria Rosaria, Caniatti, Luisa, Senesi, Caterina, Ferraro, Diana, Pesci, Ilaria, Guareschi, Angelica, Granella, Franco, Curti, Erica, Mauri, Claudia, Immovilli, Paolo, Vitetta, Francesca, Montepietra, Sara, Adani, Giorgia, Neri, Walter, Baldi, Eleonora, Strumia, Silvia, Simone, Anna Maria, Santangelo, Mario, Sola, Patrizia

2017

Overview

The frequency of definitive childlessness in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) may be higher than in the general population. MS may also affect decisions on the delivery procedure and on breast-feeding issues. Aim of the study was to assess the frequency of childlessness and its possible causes, the proportion of cesarean deliveries (CD), and the frequency of breast-feeding in patients and controls who have reached the end of their reproductive period. Female MS patients (>43 years) and controls (>45 years) filled out a questionnaire. We enrolled 303 patients and 500 controls. MS was associated with a higher frequency of childlessness (22 vs 13%) and less patients were in a stable relationship (83 vs 89%). There was no difference in the reported rates of infertility and miscarriages, while elective abortions were more frequent in patients (20 vs 12%). MS did not significantly affect the frequency of CD or of breast-feeding. MS-related reasons for childlessness, reported by 16% of childless patients, included disability/fear of future disability, fear of genetically transmitting MS, fear of not starting/discontinuing treatments, and discouragement by physician. Definitive childlessness is more frequent in women with MS compared to controls. A portion of voluntary childlessness may be avoided through correct/tailored information to patients.

• Publisher: Springer Milan,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Adult / Aged / Breast / Breast Feeding - statistics & numerical data / Breastfeeding & lactation / Cesarean section / Cesarean Section - psychology / Cesarean Section - statistics & numerical data / Fear / Feeding / Female / Humans / Infertility / Medicine / Medicine & Public Health / Middle Aged / Multiple sclerosis / Multiple Sclerosis - physiopathology / Multiple Sclerosis - psychology / Neurology / Neuroradiology / Neurosciences / Neurosurgery / Original Article / Pregnancy / Psychiatry / Reproductive Behavior - statistics & numerical data / Surveys and Questionnaires