MS, subfertility and IVF with MS Nurse Susan Agland

In this special women’s health episode of the MS Plus podcast series, we speak with Susan Agland, an MS neuroimmunology transitional nurse practitioner at John Hunter Hospital, about fertility, subfertility and MS. The discussion covers how MS and its treatments can impact conception, the roles of medication, stress, and the importance of understanding personal risk factors. 

Susan shares insights from a study she is co-leading, on Artificial Reproductive Technologies in MS, emphasising the challenges faced by women with MS undergoing IVF and the need for better guidelines and support. The episode also highlights the contributions of real-world data to understanding medication safety during pregnancy for MS patients. Listen in to gain valuable insight into fertility and family planning, and where to get support when you are having trouble conceiving. 

With thanks to Susan Agland, from the Newcastle Multiple Sclerosis Clinic.

Susan Agland supports the John Hunter MS team as Neuroimmunology Transitional Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in the MS clinic since 2003, starting as clinical trial coordinator for the Ausimmune study. Since then, Susan has studied a Masters of Nursing Research, examining the role of stress management in MS. Susan has a special interest in stress management in MS, subfertility in MS and rural and remote care of the person with neuroimmunological disease.

This podcast was developed as part of a comprehensive Women’s Health Resource designed for women living with MS, addressing key topics such as family planning & pregnancy, and menopause. This project was developed in collaboration with women living with MS, with support from expert health professionals.
To explore the full resource, visit: https://www.msplus.org.au/womenshealth

For more information: 
Pregnancy in MS research survey (ARTiMS) - https://www.hnehealth.nsw.gov.au/our_services/multiple_sclerosis_clinic_newcastle/research

Reach out for support:

MS Plus Connect 1800 042 138 or email connect@msplus.org.au

Views expressed on the MS Podcast, including any discussions or reference to medications or treatments by podcast guests, do not necessarily represent the views of MS Plus and should not be seen as either an endorsement or rejection of a treatment.  

MS Plus does not recommend any specific treatment for people living with MS. Decisions about any treatments, taking into consideration the potential benefits and side effects for each individual’s circumstances, should be made in careful consultation with the person’s neurologist or health care professional.