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Buyers EM, Hutchens KJ, Kaizer A, Scott SM, Huguelet PS, Holton C, Alaniz VI. Caregiver goals and satisfaction for menstrual suppression in adolescent females with developmental disabilities: A prospective cohort study. Disabil Health J 2023; 16:101484. [PMID: 37344273 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2023.101484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents with developmental disabilities and their caregivers often seek menstrual management. Caregivers frequently serve as medical decision-makers, and little is known about caregiver goals for menstrual management and satisfaction over time. OBJECTIVE Assess caregiver reasons for initiating menstrual management in adolescents with disabilities and satisfaction over 12 months. METHODS Prospective cohort study of caregivers of adolescents with developmental disabilities seeking menstrual management at a pediatric and adolescent gynecology clinic. Data derive from caregiver surveys and adolescents' electronic medical records. RESULTS Ninety-two caregiver-adolescent pairs enrolled. The mean age of adolescents was 14.4 (±2.6). The most common method started was levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD; 52, 56.5%), followed by oral norethindrone acetate (21, 22.8%). Caregivers cited hygiene concerns (84.8%), behavioral problems (52.2%), and heavy/excessive bleeding (48.9%) as reasons for initiating menstrual suppression. Caregivers who identified hygiene or heavy/excessive bleeding as the most important reason for management were more likely to select LNG-IUD (p = 0.009). Caregivers who cited behavioral/mood or seizure concerns as the most important reason were more likely to choose other methods (p < 0.05). At 12 months, caregiver satisfaction with all methods was high (66.2-86.9 on a 100-point scale). For every additional day of bleeding, satisfaction decreased by 3.7 points (95% CI: 2.3-5.0). CONCLUSIONS Caregiver satisfaction with all methods is high; however, it negatively correlates with days of bleeding. Caregiver reasons for menstrual suppression influence the method chosen. Management may reflect both patient and caregiver priorities; research is needed to better understand shared decision-making models that promote reproductive autonomy in adolescents with a developmental disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza M Buyers
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kendra J Hutchens
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Alex Kaizer
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Colorado School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Stephen M Scott
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Patricia S Huguelet
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Carri Holton
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Veronica I Alaniz
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Aurora, CO, USA.
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General Approaches to Medical Management of Menstrual Suppression: ACOG Clinical Consensus No. 3. Obstet Gynecol 2022; 140:528-541. [PMID: 36356248 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000004899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARY The purpose of this document is to review currently available management options, general principles, and counseling approaches for reproductive-aged patients requesting menstrual suppression. It includes considerations for unique populations, including adolescents, patients with physical or cognitive disabilities or both, and those with limited access to health care. Gynecologists should be familiar with the use of hormonal therapy for menstrual suppression (including combined oral contraceptive pills, combined hormonal patches, vaginal rings, progestin-only pills, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device, and the etonogestrel implant). Approaches to counseling should be individualized based on patient preferences and goals, average treatment effectiveness, and contraindications or risk factors for adverse events. Counseling regarding the choice of hormonal medication for menstrual suppression should be approached with the utmost respect for patient autonomy and be free of coercion. Complete amenorrhea may be difficult to achieve; thus, obstetrician-gynecologists and other clinicians should counsel patients and caregivers, if applicable, about realistic expectations.
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King CP, Kives S. Case Report of the Successful Use of Mirena Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System in a Patient with Didelphys Uterus and Obstructed Hemivagina. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2019; 32:182-185. [PMID: 30537540 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2018.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mirena levonorgestrel intrauterine system (IUS; Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals) is frequently used for menstrual suppression in adolescents with special needs. However, the presence of a uterine anomaly is generally considered a contraindication to IUS insertion, thereby excluding a potentially highly effective option for this patient population. CASE A Mirena IUS was used in a medically and surgically complex special needs 14-year-old adolescent with a didelphys uterus and obstructed hemivagina. With the IUS inserted into the unobstructed uterus, she achieved amenorrhea and significant reduction in pain, with interval reduction in hematometra in the contralateral obstructed uterus. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION We report the successful use of the Mirena IUS in a patient with a Müllerian anomaly, supporting the use of this device in carefully selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol P King
- Section of Paediatric Gynaecology, Division of Endocrinology, Hospital for Sick Children, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Sari Kives
- Section of Paediatric Gynaecology, Division of Endocrinology, Hospital for Sick Children, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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No. 313-Menstrual Suppression in Special Circumstances. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2019; 41:e7-e17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2018.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Kirkham YA, Ornstein MP, Aggarwal A, McQuillan S. N° 313 - Suppression menstruelle en présence de circonstances particulières. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2019; 41:e18-e29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2018.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Review of gynecologic and reproductive care for women with developmental disabilities. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2018; 28:350-8. [PMID: 27379438 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Care for women with developmental disabilities requires special consideration for unique needs related to their cognitive and physical abilities. These women and their caregivers require more support and guidance during reproductive health care. We review the literature and provide expert opinion surrounding gynecological issues for women with developmental disabilities to support healthcare providers better understand and care for this population. RECENT FINDINGS Women with developmental disabilities are more vulnerable to abuse and experience poorer gynecological healthcare outcomes. Many women with developmental disabilities are fertile and participate in sexual activity without adequate knowledge. They are at higher risk of pregnancy and birth complications. They are less likely to receive appropriate preventive screening. SUMMARY The review highlights important issues and practice suggestions related to the reproductive health care of women with developmental disabilities. Topics include clinic visits, menstruation, sexuality, sexual abuse, sexual health education, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, labor and delivery, and cancer screening/prevention. We emphasize the need for an individualized, comprehensive approach for these patients and review perceived and actual barriers to care. More education is needed on the aforementioned topics for women with developmental disabilities, their caregivers, and their providers.
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Chuah I, McRae A, Matthews K, Maguire AM, Steinbeck K. Menstrual management in developmentally delayed adolescent females. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2017; 57:346-350. [DOI: 10.1111/ajo.12595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Chuah
- Department of General Medicine; The Children's Hospital at Westmead; The Sydney Children's Hospital Network; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Alexandra McRae
- Academic Department of Adolescent Medicine; The Children's Hospital at Westmead; The Sydney Children's Hospital Network; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Kim Matthews
- Department of Adolescent Medicine; The Children's Hospital at Westmead; The Sydney Children's Hospital Network; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Ann M. Maguire
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes; The Children's Hospital at Westmead; The Sydney Children's Hospital Network; Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health; Sydney Medical School; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Katharine Steinbeck
- Academic Department of Adolescent Medicine; The Children's Hospital at Westmead; The Sydney Children's Hospital Network; Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health; Sydney Medical School; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
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Suppression menstruelle en présence de circonstances particulières. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2016; 38:S484-S495. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2016.09.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide a Canadian consensus document for health care providers with recommendations for menstrual suppression in patients with physical and/or cognitive challenges or those who are undergoing cancer treatment in whom menstruation may have a deleterious effect on their health. OPTIONS This document reviews the options available for menstrual suppression, its specific indications, contraindications, and side effects, both immediate and long-term, and the investigations and monitoring necessary throughout suppression. OUTCOMES Clinicians will be better informed about the options and indications for menstrual suppression in patients with cognitive and/or physical disabilities and patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments for cancer. EVIDENCE Published literature was retrieved through searches of Medline, EMBASE, OVID, and the Cochrane Library using appropriate controlled vocabulary and key words (heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual suppression, chemotherapy/radiation, cognitive disability, physical disability, learning disability). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, observation studies, and pilot studies. There were no language or date restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and new material was incorporated into the guideline until September 2013. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching websites of health technology assessment and health technology-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALUES The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table 1). BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS There is a need for specific guidelines on menstrual suppression in at-risk populations for health care providers. Recommendations 1. Menstrual suppression and therapeutic amenorrhea should be considered safe and viable options for women who need or want to have fewer or no menses. (II-2A) 2. Menstrual suppression should not be initiated in young women with developmental disabilities until after the onset of menses. (II-2B) 3. Combined hormonal or progesterone-only products can be used in an extended or continuous manner to obtain menstrual suppression. (I-A) 4. Gynaecologic consultation should be considered prior to the initiation of treatment in all premenopausal women at risk for abnormal uterine bleeding from chemotherapy. (II-1A) 5. Leuprolide acetate or combined hormonal contraception should be considered highly effective in preventing abnormal uterine bleeding when initiated prior to cancer treatment in premenopausal women at risk for thrombocytopenia. (II-2A).
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Panicker S, Mann S, Shawe J, Stephenson J. Evolution of extended use of the combined oral contraceptive pill. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 40:133-41. [PMID: 24648529 DOI: 10.1136/jfprhc-2013-100600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extended use of the combined oral contraceptive pill (COC), defined as taking active pills for at least 28 days, has been used in order to avoid bleeding at important times and to treat gynaecological conditions such as endometriosis. We examined the main issues involved in extended use of the COC and how it has evolved from being one of medicine's best-kept secrets to becoming more widely accepted by women and the medical community. STUDY DESIGN Literature review, using Medline, Embase, Pubmed, CINHAL Plus, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Ovid database for all relevant clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, literature reviews, scientific papers and individual opinions between 1950 and October 2013. RESULTS Accumulating evidence supports various forms of extended pill use as suitable alternatives to the standard (21/7) regimen. In terms of user preference, much hinges on whether women wish to reduce the frequency or duration of scheduled bleeding on the combined pill. Available data on the safety of extended pill regimens do not give cause for concern, but longer term data should be collected. CONCLUSIONS Information for women considering extended COC regimens should keep pace with research findings to ensure that women and clinicians are better informed about the choices available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabeena Panicker
- Specialist Registrar in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
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Savasi I, Jayasinghe K, Moore P, Jayasinghe Y, Grover SR. Complication rates associated with levonorgestrel intrauterine system use in adolescents with developmental disabilities. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2014; 27:25-8. [PMID: 24315712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2013.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To assess the complication rates with the use of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG IUS) in adolescents with developmental disabilities. DESIGN Retrospective chart review of all adolescents with developmental disabilities taken to the operating room for LNG IUS insertion between January 2000 and July 2009 at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Cases identified from the surgical database, and medical records reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Complication rates with LNG IUS use in adolescents with development disabilities: non-insertion, uterine perforation, infection, and expulsion. RESULTS Fifty-six adolescents with developmental disabilities had an attempted LNG IUS insertion. The average age at insertion was 15.6 years (range 10.5-21.5 y). The LNG IUS was used as first line therapy in 14 cases (25%). Pre-insertion ultrasonography was ordered in 48% of cases, out of which 5 cases had uterine lengths <6 cm. Despite this, 4 of these cases had successful insertions. Two insertion attempts were abandoned intra-operatively (3.6%); one due to inadequate uterine length of 4 cm, and the other due to anatomic distortion. One spontaneous expulsion occurred at approximately 5 months (1.9%). Four IUDs were removed prematurely (7.4% withdrawal rate); 1 for persistent abdominal pain, 1 for irregular bleeding, and 2 for suspected malpositions. There were no documented cases of infection, perforation, or pregnancy. CONCLUSION Our experience in this population has been very positive and confirms that complication rates are comparable to that in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Savasi
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kokum Jayasinghe
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patricia Moore
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yasmin Jayasinghe
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sonia R Grover
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Kirkham YA, Allen L, Kives S, Caccia N, Spitzer RF, Ornstein MP. Trends in menstrual concerns and suppression in adolescents with developmental disabilities. J Adolesc Health 2013; 53:407-12. [PMID: 23763962 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Revised: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Demonstrate changes in methods of menstrual suppression in adolescents with developmental disabilities in a recent 5-year cohort compared with an historical cohort at the same hospital. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of patients with physical and cognitive challenges presenting for menstrual concerns at an Adolescent Gynecology Clinic between 2006 and 2011 compared with a previous published cohort (1998 to 2003). RESULTS Three hundred patients with developmental disabilities aged 7.3 to 18.5 years (mean 12.1 ± 1.6) were analyzed. Caregiver concerns included menstrual suppression, hygiene, caregiver burden, and menstrual symptoms. Ninety-five percent of patients had cognitive disabilities, 4.4% had only physical impairments. Thirty-two (31.7) percent of patients presented premenarchally. The most commonly selected initial method of suppression was extended or continuous oral contraceptive pill (OCP) (42.3%) followed by patch (20%), expectant management (14.9%), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) (11.6%), and levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) (2.8%). Published data from 1998 to 2003 indicated a preference for DMPA in 59% and OCP in 17% of patients. The average number of methods to reach caregiver satisfaction was 1.5. Sixty-five percent of initial methods were continued. The most common reasons for discontinuation were breakthrough bleeding, decreased bone mineral density, or difficulties with patch adherence. Second-choice selections included OCP (42.5%), LNG-IUS inserted under general anesthesia (19.2%), DMPA (17.8%), and patch (13.7%). CONCLUSIONS Since identification of decreased bone mineral density with DMPA and emergence of new contraceptive options, use of extended OCP or patch has surpassed DMPA for menstrual suppression in our patient population. LNG-IUS is an accepted, successful second-line option in adolescents with developmental disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda A Kirkham
- Department of Gynecology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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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 about the possible need for contraception and the role and importance of reproductive hormones for preventing cardiac disease and osteoporosis. Recognition that a number of other medical problems may be related to reproductive hormones - such as cyclic seizure, behavioural difficulties and osteoporosis - is important as this gives an alternative avenue for intervention. The focus of this paper will be on the gynaecological aspects of young women with significant disabilities, rather than those with mild disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia R Grover
- Department Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology RCH, Department Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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