Chapter 5
Fertility, reproductive health, and family planning when living with schizophrenia
This chapter turns to the practical and personal questions that arise when people living with schizophrenia think about fertility and having children. It explores how reproductive health, contraception, pregnancy planning, and postpartum care can be approached through informed choices, coordinated medical support, and respect for each person’s own timing and life goals.
Mini-Glossary
Emotional availability: The ability to be present with someone else’s feelings without withdrawing or becoming
overwhelmed.
Mutuality: The sense that both partners contribute emotionally, even in uneven proportions.
Attachment security: The sense of feeling valued and safe within a close relationship. This sense of security may
fluctuate during periods of illness.
Relational boundaries: Healthy distinctions between roles, such as partner vs caregiver, and between
illness-related needs vs personal needs.
Social cognition: The brain’s ability to understand emotions, facial expressions, tone, and intentions.
Co-regulation: Two people helping each other calm down emotionally through presence, tone, and
predictable interactions.
Relational resilience: A couple’s ability to maintain connection through stress, misunderstanding, and recovery
periods
Welcome to podcast #5
Fertility, reproductive health, and family planning when living with schizophrenia
with Elena Maurer, Health Journalist, and
Dr. Lukas Stein, Psychiatrist and Researcher
Elena:
In our previous conversations, we explored how body image, physical health, and treatment can shape intimacy, confidence, and relationships.
For many people, as stability grows, another question naturally appears:
What about the future? What about having children?
Thank you, Dr. Stein, for joining us.
Dr. Stein:
Thank you, Elena. These are important and very personal questions for many families.
