Find out about different methods of contraception, and how they may be affected by epilepsy or epilepsy medicines.
There are three main types of planned contraception:
- Barrier methods
- Hormonal treatment
- Natural birth control (rhythm and Persona)
Barrier methods are used during sex to prevent the sperm reaching the egg. These barriers include:
- The coil
Some methods of contraception use the hormones oestrogen and progestogen, or just progestogen. These hormones are similar to those that your own body produces to control your menstrual cycle (when each month your body prepares to have a baby).
Epilepsy Action has more information about the menstrual cycle.
Hormonal contraception includes:
- Combined oral contraceptive pill (the Pill)
- Contraceptive implant
- Contraceptive patch
- Depo-Provera contraceptive injection
- Mirena coil
- Noristerat contraceptive injection
- Progestogen-only pill (the mini pill)
- Vaginal ring
Natural birth control
Natural birth control methods rely on accurately tracking your menstrual cycles, and not having sex when you identify that you are fertile. The two main methods are:
- The rhythm method
- The Persona method
The body’s hormone levels are an important part of using natural birth control.
Natural birth control methods are not recommended for any women with epilepsy. This is because some epilepsy medicines, and epilepsy itself, can affect hormone levels.
This type of contraception can be used after unprotected sex or when a planned method of contraception has failed. The two main types are:
- The morning-after pill
- Levonorgestrel (Levonelle)
- Ulipristal acetate (EllaOne)
- The coil
Which type of contraception will – or will not - work for me?
Find out by clicking on the name of epilepsy medicine(s) you take.
- Eslicarbazepine acetate
- Perampanel (less than 12 mgs daily)
- Perampanel (more than 12 mgs daily)
- Sodium valproate
- Topiramate (less than 200 mgs daily)
- Topiramate (more than 200 mgs daily)
How can I find out more about contraception?
Talk to your family doctor, epilepsy specialist nurse or your local family planning clinic. They can help you choose a form of contraception that will work for you and suit your lifestyle.
It’s important to be happy with your choice, and to know how to use it properly, if you don’t want to become pregnant.
Further information is available from:
Family Planning Association
What do I need to know about planning a pregnancy?
Ideally, you should have some pre-conception counselling before you become pregnant. This is because there is a small risk that seizures or epilepsy medicines could affect your and your baby’s health. With careful planning, these risks can often be lowered.
If you are unexpectedly pregnant, don’t stop taking your epilepsy medicines. This could cause more frequent or more severe seizures. And it would put you, and your baby, at higher risk of problems than taking your medicines. Speak to your GP as soon as possible. They will be able to find the help and advice you need.
Women taking sodium valproate have a higher risk of having a baby with a problem than other women. However, if you are taking sodium valproate, it is very important that you do not stop taking it without medical advice. For more information, speak to your GP, epilepsy specialist nurse or epilepsy specialist. Or contact Epilepsy Action.
If you would like to see this information with references, visit the Advice and Information references section of our website. If you are unable to access the internet, please contact our Epilepsy Freephone Helpline on 0808 800 5050.
Epilepsy Action would like to thank Beth Irwin, Epilepsy Nurse/Midwife at the UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register, Belfast, for her contribution to this information.
Beth Irwin has no conflict of interest to declare.
This information has been produced under the terms of The Information Standard.
- Updated October 2015To be reviewed October 2018