Study Reveals Gender Disparities in Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
Research shows women with multiple sclerosis are less likely than men to receive disease-modifying drugs during their reproductive years, despite safety and long-term benefits. Addressing these gaps is crucial for optimal MS management.
Recent research indicates a significant gender gap in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly among individuals aged 18 to 40, which coincides with women's reproductive years. The study, published in the journal Neurology, analyzed over 27 years of health records from France, including 16,857 women and 5,800 men diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. Despite evidence that many MS medications are safe during pregnancy or can provide long-term disease control even with discontinuation prior to conception, women are less likely than men to be prescribed these drugs.
The researchers found that, on average, women received disease-modifying treatments during 60.2% of person-years, compared to 61.3% for men. For highly effective therapies, the figures were 23.5% for women and 25.3% for men. After accounting for factors such as disease severity, pregnancy, and postpartum periods, women still had an 8% lower likelihood of receiving MS drugs than men, with a 20% lower chance concerning newer, highly effective medications.
According to study author Dr. Sandra Vukusic, this disparity is partially due to the anticipation of pregnancy, which influences treatment decisions, but also suggests potential reluctance or uncertainty among clinicians to prescribe these therapies during reproductive years. She emphasizes the importance of better communication about the safety and benefits of MS treatments compatible with pregnancy, to ensure women receive optimal care and delay long-term disability.
This finding highlights the need for increased awareness and education on MS medication safety during pregnancy, addressing potential biases, and promoting equitable treatment access for women. The study underscores that delaying or avoiding treatment may lead to worse long-term health outcomes for women with MS, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and ongoing research in this area.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-multiple-sclerosis-medication-gap-women.html
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