Sex and relationships

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HealthWiki > Epilepsy and Seizures > Chapter 8: Talking with children about epilepsy and seizures > Sex and relationships

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In this chapter:

 

In this chapter:

• Chapter 8: Talking with children about epilepsy and seizures
• Communicating with babies (birth to 2 years)
• Talking with children 3 to 5 years old
• Talking with children 6 to 8 years old
• Talking with children 9 to 13 years old
• Talking with young people 14 to 18 years old
• Sex and relationships
• Talking with siblings about epilepsy
• For health workers

Having epilepsy does not affect a person’s ability to have feelings for other people or the desire to get closer to someone. Neither does epilepsy change the body’s ability to experience and enjoy romantic or sexual feelings. Like everyone else, a person with epilepsy can decide if, when, and how they want to, or do not want to, explore sex or a romantic relationship.

For teens and young people

Telling someone you are interested in or already dating about your epilepsy does not mean you are sharing a weakness. It is just sharing part of who you are. It is natural to feel nervous about having these conversations, but talking openly can help build trust and understanding. As someone with epilepsy, you already have experience paying attention to and talking about your body and feelings. This may help you feel comfortable talking about relationships and sex with a potential sexual partner. You can decide what to share and when.

I wonder if you’ll still like me when I tell you about my epilepsy? I wonder if I am ready to find out?

When you are ready, share basic information about:

• epilepsy as a brain condition… it is not contagious!
• what happens when you have a seizure.
• any seizure triggers you may have.
• seizure first aid.

You have probably already experienced how epilepsy can affect relationships—sometimes it strengthens bonds between people, other times it frightens people away. When you open up about your epilepsy, you can expect questions and comments that will tell you something about what the person knows or thinks about epilepsy. How they respond to you may also help you decide to continue seeing this person or notice “red flags.” If a person rejects you because of epilepsy or seizures, it means you would not have been able to trust a relationship with them anyway.

Safe sex. Sex can be as healthy and enjoyable for people with epilepsy as it can be for people who do not have epilepsy. However, some antiseizure medicines make some kinds of birth control less effective. Other medicines may lower desire, as can fear of having a seizure while being sexual. If you’re feeling unsure about whether to have sex with someone, find an adult who understands these issues and is willing to discuss your decisions with you, perhaps a relative or someone in the community you trust who also has epilepsy. For information about how to protect yourself from unintended pregnancy or how to plan for a pregnancy with epilepsy, see Chapter 7.

For parents: Talking with your teen about sex and relationships

It is common to feel uncomfortable talking with your child about sex and relationships. But developing an interest in sex and romantic relationships is often a part of growing up, and knowing how to do that safely is important for everyone. If you find it difficult to discuss sex and relationships with your teen, you can encourage them to reach out to someone with whom they feel safe—a relative, family friend, teacher, counselor, health worker, or an adult who also has epilepsy. If your teen cannot find someone they are comfortable speaking with about sexuality and dating, ask a health worker to recommend a counselor or other adult who is skilled at talking with and supporting young people.

This page was updated:24 May 2026