Significantly, AEDs affect the same areas of the brain resposible for sexuality, as well as cause changes in hormone metabolism. While patients often hesitate to discuss sexual difficulties with a physician, the encouraging news is that these problems can sometimes be alleviated. For example, the cause of painful intercourse may be vaginal dryness, for which lubricating creams or gels can be recommended. Medication can be prescribed to help men overcome impotence. A doctor might prescribe a different AED to help alleviate sexual difficulties, as a person may encounter sexual problems while using one drug but not another.
Birth control is an important issue for couples who want to avoid an unintended pregnancy.
While the pregnancies of women with epilepsy are high risk, the vast majority more than 90 percent result in the birth of a healthy baby. It's important that the pregnancy be planned so that prenatal care can begin as early as possible-even before conception. Prenatal vitamins, a significant part of any pregnancy, are especially critical for women with epilepsy. Folic acid, which is found in most prenatal vitamins, reduces the risk of neural tube defects. Ideally, she should be taking the lowest dosage of AED possible that will completely control her seizures.