New guidelines released on opioid use throughout women’s lifespan

How can health care providers help women who use opioids during different stages of their lives? A new set of guidelines, led by a McMaster University family physician, offers some answers. 

From fertility and contraception to chronic pain and menopause, the guidelines, published by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, cover a range of topics and issues that affect women’s health. They also address the specific needs and challenges of women who use opioids during pregnancy and breastfeeding, a critical and complex period that requires tailored interventions. 

Dr. Suzanne Turner, assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University was the lead author of a team that included family physicians, obstetricians and gynecologists, and psychiatrists specializing in addictions medicine.  

“Previous guidelines only provided general recommendations on substance use. The new guidelines fill an important gap in helping clinicians provide comprehensive care for women using opioids during key periods of their lives,” said Turner. 

The guidelines focus on primary care-based interventions that can be easily implemented by any health care professional. The aim is to equip health care providers across different specialties with recommendations to navigate the complex landscape of opioid use during various life phases.  

The authors acknowledge that individuals accessing care during pregnancy may face additional risk factors and pregnancy is a unique opportunity for health care intervention. As such, the guidelines cover topics like smoking cessation, screening for sexually transmitted infections, and immunizations. 

“This may be the only time that some individuals access the health care system. We want them to have a positive experience so that they return to care and address broader health concerns beyond the scope of pregnancy,” said Turner. 

The authors believe that one way to ensure individuals have a positive experience is to combat the stigma associated with opioid use during pregnancy.  

“By recognizing the challenges faced by individuals in this critical period, we want to help clinicians provide positive experiences and comprehensive care to their patients,” said Turner.  

With these new guidelines, health care providers now have a roadmap to navigate the complexities of opioid use during different stages of a woman’s life.  

“The hope is that these guidelines not only address immediate concerns but also pave the way for improved women’s overall health and well-being,” said Turner. 

Find the guidelines here:  

Guideline No. 443a: Opioid Use Throughout Women’s Lifespan: Fertility, Contraception, Chronic Pain, and Menopause 

Guideline No. 443b: Opioid Use Throughout Women’s Lifespan: Opioid Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding