Rheumatoid arthritis drugs and effects on fertility?

L1985
L1985 Member Posts: 120
edited 4. Jul 2011, 10:16 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi everyone

I have my first Rhuematology appointment on Friday for Rheumatoid Arthritis I have found this website very useful finding out what kind of things will happen at the appointment and which drugs I my be given etc.

I have noticed that some of the drugs can effect your fertility? I do not want to have another child at the moment but in the future I do. Do I mention this to the rhuematologist even though its something I would like in 2-3 years time? Or am I been unrealistic in having another child?

Id be interested to hear if anyone has RA and has managed to have children a few years after been diagnosed. I appreciate this is a sensitive subject and I dont want to offend anyone with my questions.


xxx

Comments

  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello! I don't think we have spoken before so welcome to the forum from me!

    Please don't worry about offending anyone - this is a subject which comes up on the forum quite often.

    In terms of fertility - I think I am right in saying that the drugs themselves don't affect your fertility directly, it's rather that many of these drugs are not suitable during pregnancy because of effects on the unborn child. I do think it is important to mention your thoughts on having more children to the rheumatologist so that they can take that into consideration when deciding what meds are most appropriate for you.

    I don't have children but there are lots of peeps on here who do so I am sure you will get some helpful replies.

    Really good luck with your appt on Friday. Please do post if you feel you can to let us know how you get on.

    Love Tilly xxx
  • L1985
    L1985 Member Posts: 120
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    HI tilly

    Thank you for the welcome and advice :grin:

    Im ssssooooo nervous about friday will let you know how I get on.

    xxx
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,026
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    Welcome to the forums from me too :smile:

    I agree with Tilly and would definitely mention this to your doctor as part of your first visit...there are options available....some medications ARE safer than others and some you need to come off of for a while before conceiving.

    Obvioulsy you don't want to 'write off' your chances of having a baby just yet :wink:

    Love

    toni xx
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I can only echo what the others have said. I had my first about 7 years after diagnosis but that was yonks ago when most of the medications weren't even around.

    Your rheumatologist will be able to advise you. It's a very reasonable thing to ask.

    Good luck.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright

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