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Survey Suggests Many Women Underinformed about the Significant Impact Epilepsy and Anti-Epileptic Drugs Have on Different Stages of Life NEW YORK, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- iVillage, the number one women's community online in the United States, announced today the results of its first ever health poll of women with epilepsy that reveals women are not receiving enough information about epilepsy, and the significant impact it has on pregnancy, sexual function, weight, menopause and bone health, all topics rated as being of high concern. The online survey, completed by 440 females age 18 or over self-reported as taking anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) to treat epilepsy, also showed that these women are not receiving enough education on how their AEDs relate to these important female health issues throughout life. Furthermore, results showed there is not adequate communication between women with epilepsy and their doctors about these key issues. Additional results from the survey show an overall lack of female health knowledge among women, with nearly 82 percent of women indicating they were less than "very knowledgeable" about a broad range of female health issues as they related to epilepsy and AEDs. Knowledge about these issues is crucial because research has shown there are long term risks associated with the use of some AEDs, such as effects on sex drive and sexual function or bone mineral density loss. "Women with epilepsy tend to stay on the same medication for a long period of time, and many women are reluctant to consider changing their medication if their seizures are under control. However, there are other important issues to consider beyond seizure control. It is important for women to take the initiative to have an informed discussion with their physician about treatment choices that are right for them in their current stage of life," said Blanca R. Vazquez, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, New York University School of Medicine. "Even if women are planning to have a family five years from now, or menopause is ten years away, it is never too soon to discuss how epilepsy and the medications taken to manage seizures might impact their life." Why is Information about AED Use Important for Female Patients? Epilepsy, AEDs and changing hormones can affect women with epilepsy throughout their lives in areas of pregnancy, sexual function, weight, birth control, menopause and bone health. For example, weight gain may occur in women with epilepsy taking commonly prescribed AEDs. Additionally, women with epilepsy may find it more difficult to become pregnant. Both epilepsy and its treatment may contribute to an increased risk of pregnancy- and delivery- related complications. Of the women under age 35 surveyed, 69 percent said they were concerned about pregnancy and the use of AEDs, and 61 percent have had pregnancy decisions influenced by their epilepsy and treatment. In fact, almost 40 percent of women stated that epilepsy has or will affect their decision to have a child, with the majority citing fears about the child's health and concerns about taking medications while pregnant. "The results show concern about pregnancy, when in fact, with the right treatment and partnership with a physician, it is possible for women with epilepsy to have a healthy pregnancy and child," said Dr. Vazquez. "Clearly, the results indicate women need more information so they should be proactive about initiating discussions about these important female health issues and asking questions of their physician. Conversely, health care professionals also need to take an active role and ensure women are well versed about the impact epilepsy and anti-epileptic drugs can have throughout life." Important Health Issues Not Being Discussed in Doctor's Office The survey results indicated that neither physicians nor patients are taking the lead in initiating dialogue on female health issues studied in this survey (pregnancy, sexual function, weight, birth control, menopause, and bone health) with women initiating the discussion 33 percent of the time and health care professionals leading the discussion only 20 percent of the time. Surprisingly, the survey reported that discussions about these issues do not take place nearly 50 percent of the time; even though the majority of women surveyed indicated they wanted more information on sexual function (44 percent), menopause (53 percent), weight (61 percent), and bone health (65 percent). "This survey shows that women with epilepsy want more knowledge about the female health issues they face and it's up to them to initiate that dialogue with their physicians," said Paula Rae Forastiero, Executive Editor of HealthCentersOnline.com, part of iVillage. "There is a wealth of information about these issues on the internet. We encourage women to visit http://www.ivillage.com/epilepsy to learn more about how to start important conversations with their physicians and get the information they need to live a healthy and full life." About Epilepsy According to the Epilepsy Foundation, epilepsy affects 2.7 million Americans of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds. Most often, epilepsy first appears in either very young children or older persons. The disorder, defined by recurrent unprovoked seizures, is a change in sensation, awareness, or behavior brought about by an electrical disturbance in the brain. No direct cause can be found in many people with epilepsy, but a number of factors can contribute to its development. Every year, it is estimated that 200,000 people experience a single seizure or develop epilepsy for the first time. People with epilepsy can often achieve the same kinds of goals for career and family as people without epilepsy. Since epilepsy is commonly a chronic illness, it is important that patients work with their physicians to find effective treatments that can be tolerated over the long term. In addition, patient education, an effective partnership between the patient and health care provider, and the involvement of family and friends are important parts of the treatment process. About iVillage Inc. iVillage is "the Internet for women" and consists of several online and offline media-based properties that seek to enrich the lives of women, teenage girls and parents through the offering of unique content, community applications, tools and interactive features. iVillage Inc. (NASDAQ:IVIL) was established in 1995 and is headquartered in New York City. About the Survey Data was collected online between May 5 and June 6, 2005, with 440 females with epilepsy age 18 and over who take anti-epileptic drugs to treat their condition. The survey consisted of 19 questions that sought to gauge survey respondent's perceptions on key issues relating to women's health and epilepsy. The survey was funded through support from GlaxoSmithKline. DATASOURCE: iVillage CONTACT: Rebecca Catts of Cohn & Wolfe, +1-212-798-9751, for iVillage Web site: http://www.ivillage.com/epilepsy

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