When a woman is known to have systemic lupus erythematosis, planning and preparation can improve the outcome of pregnancy and reduce the severity of some of the potential problems. All treatment options have risks but these risks have to be balanced against the risks of no treatment or, ‘too late’ treatment. In pregnancy, close fetal surveillance is important. Once there are definite signs of fetal harm this cannot always be corrected and late management decisions can only institute rescue. Urgent premature delivery is a frequent phenomenon. Proactive medical care of the mother, together with accurate information about the state of the baby, may reduce the frequency of sudden or early delivery thereby assisting neonatal management. Currently, some risks such as neonatal lupus with congenital heart block, retain a high mortality. The construction of an agreed detailed prospective management plan, understood by all those involved, can lead to increased satisfaction with the care process and a better outcome.

These studies indicate that subclinical cranial diabetes insipidus may be unmasked in late pregnancy. This effect is not related to AVP resistance resulting from PGE2 production or excessive vasopressinase activity, but may be due to a combination of physiological vasopressinase secretion with reduced AVP secretory capacity and reduction in the thirst threshold that accompanies normal pregnancy. We relate these findings to a previously described group of women with transient diabetes insipidus during pregnancy who had impaired liver function.

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Male contraception research has yielded a number of promising leads over the past 50 years. Yet, little is known by the public due to lack of institutional support and funding. This is unfortunate since, apart from condom and vasectomy, there are many male methods which may be safer, more effective and easier to use. This paper explores male contraception which has been used in the past and the present and discusses some of its potential developments.