Adolescents with Special Needs: Clinical Challenges in Reproductive Health Care

Sexual and reproductive health education for patients with myelomeningocele

AIM

To evaluate the sexual and reproductive health education received by patients with myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina bifida.

METHOD

A survey designed to assess the sexual and reproductive health education given by a healthcare provider to patients with myelomeningocele was offered to all English-speaking patients aged 12 years or older with a myelomeningocele clinic visit.

RESULTS

In total, 67 surveys were completed. Menstruation and menstrual management were discussed at a rate of 85% in females. Few patients had discussions with a provider about fertility (42%), sexuality (37%), risk of sexually transmitted infections (45%), or had a relationship with a reproductive healthcare provider (54%). Differences by sex were observed for contraceptive education. The rate of discussions increased with age. A total of 67% of female patients and 33% of male patients requested a referral to a reproductive healthcare provider.

INTERPRETATION

Sexual and reproductive health education is part of comprehensive care for all patients and those with disabilities should not be excluded. The lack of consistent education received by patients supports the need for increased attention to this topic. We encourage multidisciplinary myelomeningocele clinics to establish a process for delivering complete and patient-specific sexual and reproductive health education.

Leveraging Comprehensive Sexuality Education as a Tool for Knowledge, Equity, and Inclusion

BACKGROUND

Sexual education programs in the United States are rooted in inequitable structures and are often inadequate at educating marginalized student groups such as students of color, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ+), women, and disabled students.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THEORY

Current sexual education is irregularly implemented and often excludes or misrepresents the experiences of students with marginalized identities. This theoretical paper specifically discusses ways that sexual education has been harmful or exclusionary for marginalized student groups and how a shift toward making sexual education inclusive and equitable will improve outcomes for students of all identities.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY

This paper discusses several recommendations on improving access to equitable sexual health education for all students including reviewing and improving sexual education curriculum and delivery, as well as the need for additional research focused on this topic.

CONCLUSIONS

This article provides an overview on the current sexual education system, its inadequacies, and how comprehensive sexuality education programs can be leveraged as a tool for equity for students of all backgrounds, but particularly those who are underrepresented in sexual education curricula.

Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System Utilization in Patients with Developmental Delays

INTRODUCTION

Adolescent females with developmental delays (DDs) experience unique physical and emotional challenges related to menstruation. Providers often recommend hormonal medication for menstrual management. The objective of our study was to describe the utilization and safety of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in adolescents with DDs.

METHODS

We utilized the Pediatric Health Information System to identify females aged 10-25 with DDs who underwent an LNG-IUS insertion between 2011 and 2020. Using a gynecologic procedure and diagnosis codes, we assessed indications for and complications of LNG-IUS use. We also evaluated early LNG-IUS removal.

RESULTS

One thousand five hundred and sixty female patients with DDs underwent LNG-IUS insertion. LNG-IUS insertion under anesthesia was most commonly performed in patients with autism and Down syndrome, and unspecified menstrual issues were documented for 40% of the cohort. Perforation was observed in 11 patients (1%), and mechanical complications (malpositioned IUS or lost threads) were observed in 23 patients (1%).

DISCUSSION

This is the largest analysis of LNG-IUS use in patients with DDs to our knowledge and shows the utilization of LNG-IUS in patients with DDs. We provide descriptive information that providers can use to accurately advise their patients with DDs on the risks and benefits of LNG-IUS use for menstrual management.

Contraception use among female youth with disabilities: Secondary analysis of a Canadian cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Non-use of contraception among sexually active youth is an important contributor to unintended pregnancy, but contraception use among disabled youth is poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

To compare contraception use in female youth with and without disabilities.

METHODS

We used data from the 2013-2014 Canadian Community Health Survey on sexually active 15 to 24-year-old females with (n = 831) and without (n = 2,700) a self-reported functional or activity limitation, who reported that it was important to them to avoid getting pregnant. We used log binomial regression to derive adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for use of any vs. no contraception, and for oral contraception, injectable contraception, condoms, other contraception methods, and dual methods separately, comparing youth with and without disabilities. Adjusted analyses controlled for age, school enrollment, household income, marital status, race/ethnicity, immigrant status, and health region.

RESULTS

There were no differences in the use of any contraception (85.4% vs. 84.2%; aPR 1.03, 95% CI 0.998-1.06), oral contraception (aPR 0.98, 95% CI 0.92-1.05), condoms (aPR 1.00, 95% CI 0.92-1.09), or dual methods (aPR 1.02, 95% CI 0.91-1.15), comparing youth with and without disabilities. Those with disabilities were more likely to use injectable contraception (aPR 2.31, 95% CI 1.59-3.38) and other contraception methods (aPR 1.54, 95% CI 1.25-1.90).

CONCLUSION

Youth at risk of unintended pregnancy had similar overall use of contraception, regardless of disability status. Future studies should examine the reasons for higher uptake of injectable contraception in youth with disabilities, with possible implications for health care provider education on access to youth-controlled methods for this group.

Providing a Primary Care Medical Home for Children and Youth With Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disorder of childhood, with prevalence estimates ranging from 1.5 to 4 in 1000 live births. This clinical report seeks to provide primary care physicians with guidance to detect children with CP; collaborate with specialists in treating the patient; manage associated medical, developmental, and behavioral problems; and provide general medical care to their patients with CP.

General Approaches to Medical Management of Menstrual Suppression: ACOG Clinical Consensus No. 3

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.

Menstrual and reproductive health in female adolescents with developmental disabilities

Youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are impacted by pubertal changes and the onset of menses disproportionately. Despite the fact that for most youth with I/DD, the progression of puberty, menarche, and irregular cycles due to axis immaturity appear to be consistent with the general population, cyclic behavioral changes and premenstrual symptoms may be more common. Furthermore, for some disabled youth there are endocrine or medication effects that may impact menses disproportionately. Education and access to care is essential for this group to address many aspects of treatment, from prepubertal anticipatory guidance to menstrual management, with special attention required for addressing issues concerning hygiene, cyclic pain, behavior changes, sexuality, potential for abuse, and pregnancy prevention.^1-4 This article will provide an overview of the policies and guidance available for management of the menstrual issues encountered in adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex medical disorders. Included will be a review of studies that evaluate the different types of methods that are utilized for menstrual management and the different conditions that are encountered.

Imparting genital hygiene skills to adolescents with intellectual disabilities attending a special education Centre: a quasi-experimental study on effect of short education

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of education given on genital hygiene to female students attending a special education center. Methods: We interviewed 52 girls selected by meeting the inclusion criteria, using a quasi-experimental method, the single group pre-test post-test model in a special education institution located in the Aegean region in Turkey. Results: The results of the programme the genital hygiene knowledge of the participants had significantly improved. Significantly positive changes were observed in genital hygiene knowledge compared to pre-training (p < .001). Conclusion: It is recommended that the program training and practices to be carried out simultaneously be implemented by healthcare professionals for adolescents with intellectual disability and their parents.

Hypogonadism in Women with Prader-Willi Syndrome-Clinical Recommendations Based on a Dutch Cohort Study, Review of the Literature and an International Expert Panel Discussion

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare neuroendocrine genetic syndrome. Characteristics of PWS include hyperphagia, hypotonia, and intellectual disability. Pituitary hormone deficiencies, caused by hypothalamic dysfunction, are common and hypogonadism is the most prevalent. Untreated hypogonadism can cause osteoporosis, which is already an important issue in PWS. Therefore, timely detection and treatment of hypogonadism is crucial. To increase understanding and prevent undertreatment, we (1) performed a cohort study in the Dutch PWS population, (2) thoroughly reviewed the literature on female hypogonadism in PWS and (3) provide clinical recommendations on behalf of an international expert panel. For the cohort study, we retrospectively collected results of a systematic health screening in 64 female adults with PWS, which included a medical questionnaire, medical file search, medical interview, physical examination and biochemical measurements. Our data show that hypogonadism is frequent in females with PWS (94%), but is often undiagnosed and untreated. This could be related to unfamiliarity with the syndrome, fear of behavioral changes, hygienic concerns, or drug interactions. To prevent underdiagnosis and undertreatment, we provide practical recommendations for the screening and treatment of hypogonadism in females with PWS.

Satisfaction With Hormonal Treatment for Menstrual Suppression in Adolescents and Young Women With Disabilities

PURPOSE

To characterize the population of adolescents and young women with special needs presenting for gynecologic care, describe usage patterns of hormonal suppression methods, and evaluate outcomes of menstrual management.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included females with special needs up to age 26 years presenting for menstrual management from 2009 to 2018. Demographic, social, and medical histories were collected to investigate effects on bleeding pattern and satisfaction with menstrual management.

RESULTS

Of 262 patients who presented for menstrual complaints, final methods of treatment included combined hormonal contraceptives (30.9%), oral progestins (19.8%), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (8.0%), etonogestrel implant (1.9%), and levonorgestrel intrauterine device (16.8%). Eighty-five percent of patients were satisfied with their final bleeding pattern. Patients with amenorrhea or light regular periods were more likely to be satisfied than patients with heavy or irregular bleeding (p < .001). Satisfied patients tried an average of 1.4 methods, compared to 1.8 methods tried by the unsatisfied group (p = .042). By the end of the study, 26.0% were amenorrheic and 12.8% had only light spotting. Satisfaction rates were similar with each method, including 88.4% with use of combined hormonal contraceptives, 82.5% with oral progestins, 93.3% with depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, 100% with etonogestrel implant, and 83.9% with levonorgestrel intrauterine device.

CONCLUSIONS

Amenorrhea or light regular bleeding led to satisfaction in most patients. No hormonal method was superior. When counseling families and patients who present for menstrual suppression, emphasis should be placed on goals of treatment and expectations for outcomes, as light regular periods may be as acceptable as amenorrhea.

Preparing for Puberty in Girls With Special Needs: A Cohort Study of Caregiver Concerns and Patient Outcomes

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To characterize the patient population with cognitive or physical impairments that presents for anticipatory guidance of puberty, evaluate caregiver concerns with respect to puberty, and describe chosen management strategies and outcomes following menarche.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study SETTING: Academic tertiary care women and children's hospital PARTICIPANTS: Eligible female patients with special needs up to age 26 years presenting for anticipatory guidance from 2009 to 2018 MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes included characterization of patients presenting for anticipatory guidance and their reasons for menstrual management. Secondary outcomes were satisfaction with menstrual management and bleeding patterns.

RESULTS

A total of 61 patients presented for anticipatory guidance of puberty, on average 13.5 months prior to menarche. Compared to the overall adolescent population with special needs who presented for gynecologic care, patients who had autism spectrum disorder (ASD), were nonverbal, or had attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) were more likely to present for a pre-menarchal visit to discuss anticipated pubertal development (P < .001, P = .009, and P = .04, respectively). More than half of families described potential behavioral changes as their main concern. The majority of post-menarchal patients (80%) desired hormonal management of menses, including 30% of patients who had placement of a levonorgestrel intrauterine device. In all, 96% of patients were satisfied with their final menstrual bleeding pattern; 50% achieved amenorrhea or light spotting.

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes the important role of pre-menarchal reproductive counseling for girls with disabilities. Anticipation of puberty causes great anxiety in families and patients, especially those with ASD, ADD/ADHD, and non-verbal status. Providers should consider initiating these conversations early in pubertal development.

How to Discuss Sexual Health With Girls and Young Women With Spina Bifida: A Practical Guide for the Urologist

OBJECTIVE

To provide urologists with a practical guide for how to provide sexual health counseling to girls and women with spina bifida.

METHODS

The recommendations and research of several sources were synthesized to create this guidance, including clinical guidance from the Spina Bifida Association and American College of Obstetricians, the current literature on the sexual health of girls and women with spina bifida, and the multidisciplinary experience of the authors.

RESULTS

Sexual health education should be viewed by urologists as a continuous discussion, starting in early childhood and gradually building through adolescence. Developing a plan for when and how to bring it up, utilizing parents as educational partners, identifying who will provide the detailed one-on-one counseling if not the primary urologist, establishing a referral network for specialized care (eg, adolescent gynecologist, physical therapist, or sex therapist), becoming familiar with how spina bifida impacts sexual health, and being prepared for challenges are key to providing these girls and women with competent sexual health education. Urologists should also screen for abuse at each visit and be familiar with reporting and resources for when abuse is identified.

CONCLUSION

This guidance can serve to direct urologists in providing competent sexual health education to girls and women with spina bifida. This will ensure these girls and women receive the basic education they need, and that they can be referred to appropriate sexual health experts as indicated.

Difficulties in Transition of Care from Pediatric to Adult Gynecology Providers: Should We Maintain Care into Adulthood?

There is evidence that transfer of care for older adolescent patients to adult care is associated with a deterioration in health, especially in those with chronic conditions. Because several specific conditions in pediatric and adolescent gynecology continue into adulthood, it is important that patients have a seamless healthcare transition. In this commentary, it is argued that instead of arranging transfer, long-term retention of patients by the same physician or physician team may be the more caring, patient-centered approach.

Management of Menstrual and Gynecologic Concerns in Girls with Special Needs

For girls with physical and developmental disabilities and their families/caregivers, puberty and menstruation can present significant problems such as vulnerability, abuse risk, unintended pregnancies, difficulties with managing menstrual hygiene, abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, behavioral difficulties/mood concerns or changes in seizure pattern. Healthcare providers may have an important and positive impact for both the adolescents and their families/caregivers during this stage of life. Whether menstrual manipulation is indicated should be decided after a detailed history is taken from both the patient and the caregivers to determine the impact of current problems on quality of life. It should be explained that complete amenorrhea is difficult to achieve and realistic expectations should be addressed. The goals for the management of menstrual concerns should be a reduction in the amount and total days of menstrual flow, reduction of menstrual pain and suppression of ovulatory or cyclic symptoms, depending on each individual patient’s needs. Advantages and disadvantages of available treatment methods should also be discussed.

Menstrual Suppression in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients with Disabilities Ranging from Developmental to Acquired Conditions: A Population Study in an Australian Quaternary Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Service from January 2005 to December 2015

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to review the efficacy of different medical modalities for menstrual suppression in the cohort of patients with disabilities who presented to the Queensland Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology (PAG) Service between January 2005 and December 2015. Menstrual suppression in adolescents with disabilities is an important aspect of care to support the patient and their carers in managing the complexities of menstrual hygiene, pain, and other discomfort associated with menses. It is important for general practitioners, pediatricians, and gynecologists to establish the right modality of suppression for each individual adolescent. DESIGN, SETTINGS, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The study was a retrospective case notes review of 68 adolescents who presented to the Queensland PAG Service, Brisbane, Australia with a request for menstrual suppression. The medical interventions included treatment with either combined oral hormonal contraceptive, oral medroxyprogesterone, depot medroxyprogesterone, or the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (Mirena, Bayer). The primary outcome measure was success of menstrual suppression from commencement of medical intervention to achievement of complete amenorrhea or very light bleeding described as spotting, for each medical modality. Secondary outcomes were length of time from first treatment to first observed menstrual suppression, and the number of outpatient appointments taken to achieve menstrual suppression.

RESULTS

Of the 68 adolescents, 59/68 (86.8%) successfully achieved menstrual suppression, with 9/68 (13.2%) having ongoing treatment or loss to follow-up at the time of conclusion of the study; 39/68 (57.4%) were menstrually suppressed with their chosen medical modality after their initial appointment.

CONCLUSION

Medical modalities are highly effective in achieving menstrual suppression and no young women at this institution required a hysterectomy. Depot medroxyprogesterone was the most successful modality used to achieve menstrual suppression followed by the levonorgestrel intrauterine system. The combined oral hormonal contraceptive was the least successful medical treatment in achieving menstrual suppression.

Contraceptive Practices and Reproductive Health Considerations for Adolescent and Adult Women with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Review of the Literature

Whereas progress has been made on increasing access to comprehensive healthcare for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), disparities continue in health outcomes, including those related to the reproductive health of adolescent and adult women with I/DD. This review summarizes reproductive care considerations for adolescent and adult women with I/DD and current practices regarding the delivery of contraceptive services to these women. Forty-seven (47) articles based on research conducted in the US between 1999 and 2019 were selected for inclusion in the review. Primary themes discussed include (1) common reproductive health concerns for adolescent and adult women with I/DD, other than pregnancy prevention; (2) contraceptive methods and disability-related concerns; (3) informed consent and reproductive decision-making; and (4) provider knowledge and education. The management of menses and hormonal dysregulation were identified as concerns that providers encounter among patients with I/DD and their families. Disability-related concerns with regard to use of contraception in general and considerations regarding certain methods in particular include challenges with prescription adherence, physical effects of hormonal therapies, drug interactions for individuals with additional health conditions, and legal and ethical concerns involved with decision-making and consent. The results of this review also suggest that focused efforts in partnership with health care providers may be needed to address barriers that adolescent and adult women with I/DD face when trying to obtain quality reproductive health services and contraceptive guidance.

Management of contraceptives and menstrual complaints in patients with Down syndrome

Enhanced health care for patients with Down syndrome (DS) results in improved overall quality of life and longer life expectancy. The main gynecologic complaints of patients with DS and their caregivers relate to menstrual cycles, hygiene and reproductive issues. Certain aspects, such as age of menarche, menstrual cycles, internal genitalia, and hormone profile are similar to those observed in the general population. However, individuals with DS may have a higher incidence of other disorders related to menstruation, such as hypothyroidism, epilepsy and use of anticonvulsants. Contraceptive measures for individuals with DS can be used for both contraception and control of menstrual symptoms. The physician must be to make an individualized recommendation aimed at offering the most efficient and least invasive method with the fewest side effects. Among medical options are oral contraceptives, quarterly injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate, oral progesterone, a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, transdermal patch and vaginal rings. Surgical methods, including hysterectomy, endometrial ablation, or tubal ligation, are rarely considered because they raise ethical and legal questions. This article reviews the literature and basic guidelines to assist physicians who attend adolescent girls and women with DS to provide guidance on the appropriate management of the main gynecologic complaints of this population.

Addressing sexual and reproductive health in adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review provides support for promoting the sexual health of adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities, and particularly those with intellectual disabilities. It offers guidance for pediatricians on incorporating counseling on sexuality and reproductive healthcare, socially appropriate behavior, and sexual abuse prevention for adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities into healthcare visits. Additionally, it provides resources for developmentally appropriate sexuality education in the home and community to allow access to the comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare patients deserve.

RECENT FINDINGS

Adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities often do not receive developmentally appropriate sexual health education, and this is associated with poor sexual health outcomes and increased rates of sexual abuse in this population.

SUMMARY

Pediatricians should discuss sexual health with all patients, including adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities. They are well suited to provide sexual health education and inform families about appropriate sexual health resources.

Ten Years of Experience in Contraception Options for Teenagers in a Family Planning Center in Thrace and Review of the Literature

Introduction: The goal of our study was to investigate and evaluate the contraceptive behavior in teenagers from our family planning centre that services two different religious and socioeconomic populations living in the Thrace area. Methods: During the last 10 years 115 Christian Orthodox (group A) and 53 Muslim teenagers (group B) were enrolled in our retrospective study. Contraceptive practice attitudes were assessed by a questionnaire. Religion, demographics, socio-economic characteristics were key factors used to discuss contraception and avoid unplanned pregnancy in each group and to compare with the contraceptive method used. Results: The most used contraceptive method—about two times more frequently—among Christian Orthodox participants was the oral contraceptive pill (p = 0.015; OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.13–2.90), while in the other group the use of condoms and IUDs was seven and three times more frequent, respectively. Our family planning centre was the main source of information for contraception. Conclusions: During adolescence, the existence of a family planning centre and participation in family planning programs plays a crucial role to help the teenagers to improve their knowledge and choose an effective contraception method.

Review of gynecologic and reproductive care for women with developmental disabilities

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.

Contraception in adolescents with intellectual disability

OBJECTIVES

The aims of the study were to investigate the reasons for first gynaecological consultation in adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) and assess how contraception is prescribed with regard to the different contraceptive methods, their medical indications, adverse effects and compliance, in comparison with a group of adolescents without ID.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study was conducted among 200 adolescents with ID (group A) and a control group of 200 adolescents without ID (group B).

RESULTS

The main reasons for gynaecological consultation in group A were 'need for contraception' (46.5% in group A vs 32.0% in group B, p = .003) and abnormal uterine bleeding (42.0% in group A vs 27.0% in group B, p = .002). Contraception was prescribed in 80.0% of the adolescents in both groups. Combined oral contraception was prescribed in 83.1% in group A vs. 91.3% in group B (p = .03). The transdermal patch was more prevalent in group A (6.3% vs. 0.6% in group B, p = .006). Other contraceptive methods were similar between the two groups. In group B there were 5.0% unintended pregnancies vs no cases in group A (p = .001). Sexual abuse occurred similarly in both groups (2.5% in group A vs 2.0% in group B, p = not significant).

CONCLUSION

The need for contraception in adolescents with ID is a frequent reason for gynaecological consultation, despite their younger age and lower number who are sexually active. Combined oral contraception is the most prescribed method in adolescents with ID; however, the transdermal patch also plays an important role in this group.

Committee Opinion No. 710: Counseling Adolescents About Contraception

Modern contraceptives are very effective when used correctly and, thus, effective counseling regarding contraceptive options and provision of resources to increase access are key components of adolescent health care. Regardless of a patient's age or previous sexual activity, the obstetrician-gynecologist routinely should address her contraceptive needs, expectations, and concerns. Obstetrician-gynecologists should be aware of and be prepared to address the most common misperceptions about contraceptive methods in a way that is age appropriate and compatible with the patient's health literacy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that discussions about contraception begin with information on the most effective methods first. Emergency contraception routinely should be included in discussions about contraception, including access issues. Moreover, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that obstetrician-gynecologists work with their office staff to establish office procedures and routines that safeguard the privacy of adolescent patients whenever possible. Adolescents' right of refusal for initiating or discontinuing a method should be addressed by obstetrician-gynecologists. At no time should an adolescent patient be forced to use a method chosen by someone other than herself, including a parent, guardian, partner, or health care provider. The initial encounter and follow-up visits should include continual reassessment of sexual concerns, behavior, relationships, prevention strategies, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines.

Committee Opinion No. 678: Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Current sexuality education programs vary widely in the accuracy of content, emphasis, and effectiveness. Data have shown that not all programs are equally effective for all ages, races and ethnicities, socioeconomic groups, and geographic areas. Studies have demonstrated that comprehensive sexuality education programs reduce the rates of sexual activity, sexual risk behaviors (eg, number of partners and unprotected intercourse), sexually transmitted infections, and adolescent pregnancy. One key component of an effective program is encouraging community-centered efforts. In addition to counseling and service provision to individual adolescent patients, obstetrician-gynecologists can serve parents and communities by supporting and assisting sexuality education. Because of their knowledge, experience, and awareness of a community's unique challenges, obstetrician-gynecologists can be an important resource for sexuality education programs.

Uterine Length in Adolescents with Developmental Disability: Are Ultrasound Examinations Necessary before Insertion of the Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System?

STUDY OBJECTIVE

(1) To determine if there are any differences in uterine length between adolescents with developmental disability (DD) compared with their normally developing (ND) peers that might necessitate ultrasonography before insertion of levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in patients with DD; and (2) to characterize the LNG-IUS insertion procedure in adolescents with disabilities.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTIONS

This was a retrospective cohort study of 223 female adolescents with or without DDs. Seventy-five adolescents had DD; 33 underwent intrauterine system insertion in the operating room and 42 did not. A comparative cohort of 148 ND adolescents who had pelvic ultrasound examinations for abnormal uterine bleeding were included. The study period was between January 2006 and July 2013 at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada. Cases were identified from surgical databases and medical records.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Mean uterine length on pelvic ultrasound, demographic characteristics (age, age at menarche, time from menarche to ultrasound, weight), and descriptive statistics on intrauterine system insertion.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference (P = .03) in uterine length between adolescents with and without DD (6.7 vs 7.1 cm). However, this was not a clinically significant difference because insertion of the LNG-IUS in patients with DD was successful in patients with uteri more than 5 cm long. There was no difference (P = .97) in uterine length of adolescents with DD whether they had LNG-IUS insertion or not (6.7 cm). Adolescents with DD were younger than adolescents without DD at time of ultrasound examination (P = .01). However, among patients with DD, those who underwent intrauterine system insertion were older (P = .001). Incidence of uterine anomaly in patients with DD is low (2.7%) and was the same as in ND adolescents. Rates of complications and expulsions were low and there were no failures of LNG-IUS insertion in adolescents with DD.

CONCLUSION

Routine pelvic ultrasound examinations are not necessary before insertion of the LNG-IUS for menstrual suppression in adolescents with DD. Renal abnormalities, obstructive symptoms, and very small stature might necessitate imaging. Insertion using anesthesia is often straightforward and successful with minimal complications.