Gynaecological issues in adolescents with disability

Abstract

Menstruation and contraception is a concern for families who have a daughter with a significant disability, either physical or developmental. Accessing information regarding options may be difficult. Maternal experiences of menses further impact on the anxiety. The onset of menses is a reminder that their daughter is at risk of sexual abuse and pregnancy. It may highlight the fact that they are at their limits of coping - without the addition of yet another problem, of managing menses. Parental and carer concern is about the practicalities of how the adolescent will manage menstruation - both the hygiene aspects of menses and also the potential pain. Additionally, information is required abo..