Intimate relationships
When you get involved on an intimate level with another person, you take on responsibility, not just for yourself but for them.
ADHD should not be a barrier to any loving relationship, but it can cause additional difficulties which can have a huge impact on your life and and the lives of those close to you.
ADHD has been associated with:
An increased risk of unplanned pregnancy
An increased risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases
An increased risk of in utero damage to the fetus if alcohol or other substances are ingested during pregnancy (especially if the pregnancy is unplanned and the female does not know she is pregnant)
Because ADHD is associated with weaknesses in planning and organisation, and also risk-taking and impulsivity, it can be more challenging to maintain the appropriate precautions when engaging in intimate relationships.
Contraception is the responsibility of both partners, which means that you can help each other to ensure that you stay safe.
Use reminders to help you with this important task. There are a range of apps available to ensure that you remember to have whichever method of contraception you decide to use available.
Talk openly about it and discuss all intimate matters in a respectful way with your partner, taking his or her views into account before making any final decision.
Be aware of the risks involved in any spontaneous decisions and think ahead to the consequences should something go wrong.
