Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Provided to Women Diagnosed with Serious Mental Illness: Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives

<b>Background</b>: Women diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI) face increased vulnerability and significant risks to their sexual and reproductive health, an issue that is often overlooked in healthcare systems. Aim: This study aimed to explore the sexual and reproductive healthcare provided to women with SMI, based on the perspectives of professionals specialising in mental health and sexual and reproductive health. <b>Methods</b>: A descriptive qualitative design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of professionals from community mental health and sexual and reproductive health in Catalonia (Spain). Data were analysed using thematic analysis. <b>Results</b>: Two themes were identified: clinical practice and professional context. The clinical practice theme had three sub-themes: lack of a preventive framework, attention to sexual and reproductive needs, and supporting women in their desire for motherhood and in pregnancy. The professional context theme had four sub-themes: cross-disciplinary coordination, lack of protocols, lack of human resources and time, and lack of training in mental health. <b>Conclusions</b>: Mental health professionals and sexual and reproductive health professionals expressed different perspectives about sexual and reproductive healthcare for women with SMI, pointing to a need for greater training and coordination.