Meeting the Reproductive Needs of Female Adolescents With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

"They had the lunch lady coming up to assist": The experiences of menarche and menstrual management for adolescents with physical disabilities

BACKGROUND

Menarche is a pivotal time in an adolescent's life but can be experienced differently by those with physical disabilities. Parents typically serve as the primary educators and support for their daughters during this time. Little is known about the parent's perspective of their daughter's experience preparing for menarche and learning to manage menses.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to understand the parent's perspective of the experience of their daughter with a physical disability around menarche and their preferences for health care provider support.

METHODS

Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 parents of a daughter with a physical disability ages 7-26. Interviews were coded by 2 reviewers using Grounded Theory, with disagreements resolved by consensus.

RESULTS

Six themes emerged regarding the parent's perception of the experiences, including 1) variation in emotional responses to menarche, 2) parent's perception of their daughter's experience with menses and menstrual symptoms, 3) cross-section of disability and menstrual management, 4) menstrual management at school, 5) parental knowledge correlating to daughter's preparation for menarche, and 6) desires for health care provider support.

CONCLUSIONS

All parents reported that their daughters faced challenges during menarche, ranging from emotional distress to dealing with the inaccessibility of hygiene products. Managing periods at schools was particularly burdensome. Parents who were better educated about what to expect were better able to prepare their daughters, but had difficulties finding informed, supportive providers. Health care providers should provide both anticipatory guidance and holistic, respectful, and equitable options for the management of menstrual symptoms.

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.

Reversible interventions for menstrual management in adolescents and young adults with gender incongruence

The newly released World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care, 8th Edition specify that adolescents should be offered menstrual suppression as part of their treatment plans to suppress menses and alleviate dysphoria, provide contraception, or improve irregular bleeding on testosterone therapy. This is a review of current evidence-based options for reversible interventions for menstrual suppression in adolescents with gender dysphoria or incongruence. Shared decision-making should be used by the clinician at all times, and the clinician should be intentional in prioritizing the patient's stated needs and desires when offering interventions. No method should be withheld due to the experience of gender incongruence alone. Contraceptive options offering menstrual suppression include depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate, levonorgestrel intrauterine systems, progestin-only contraceptive pills, and combined hormonal contraceptives. Non-contraceptive options include norethindrone acetate, oral medroxyprogesterone acetate, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues/agonists, and danazol. Certain patients may also benefit from non-pharmacologic interventions, such as specialty menstrual underwear.

Plain language summary

Using medicine to stop Menstrual periods in teens with gender incongruence Summary: Newly released recommendations for the care of teens and young adults with gender dysphoria or incongruence specifically recommend using medications to get rid of menstrual periods if desired or medically necessary. Patients may ask for this to help improve dysphoria, as a feature they want in birth control, or simply because they do not want to have periods. Because temporarily getting rid of periods is something that doctors can do for any patient old enough to have periods, patients with gender dysphoria should also be able to have their periods temporarily stopped using medications if requested. Doctors should ensure that they always help the patient make a decision that is right for them instead of prescribing what they think is right without considering the patient's input. Options for temporarily getting rid of periods can include birth control, such as oral contraceptive pills, patches, or rings; intrauterine devices; or shots, and it can also be done with things that are not birth control, such a progesterone pills or puberty blockers. Finally, some patients may only need improved period hygiene with period underwear to feel better in their bodies.

The Utility of Blind Pap Tests in Young Adults with Developmental Delay: A Pilot Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

There are no guidelines specific to women with developmental delay who may not be able to tolerate a Papanicolaou (Pap) test in the office setting. The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of a less invasive method, a blind Pap for women with developmental delay, compared to the traditional Pap test performed in pediatric and adolescent gynecology (PAG) patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort pilot study.

SETTING

Outpatient PAG clinics and the inpatient PAG service at a single institution.

PARTICIPANTS

PAG patients who underwent a traditional Pap test and developmentally delayed PAG patients who underwent a blind Pap test. Patients were 26 years of age or less between July 2007 and March 2019.

INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Charts were reviewed to identify those who underwent a traditional Pap test (with a speculum and direct visualization) versus a blind Pap test (with a vaginal swab without a speculum). Descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon rank and Fisher exact tests compared specimen adequacy, presence of the endocervical/transformation zone (EC/TZ), and cytology results.

RESULTS

Of 328 PAG patients identified, 314 patients had a traditional Pap test (control), and 14 patients had a blind Pap test (4.3%). The majority of Pap tests were satisfactory in both groups. The EC/TZ component was present in 279 (90%) specimens within the traditional Pap test group and 8 (57%) in the blind Pap test group (P = .002). The traditional Pap test group results varied, with most (81.9%) being negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy. All BP group pathology findings were negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated an ability to perform a Pap test in a less invasive manner than a traditional Pap test. Although all blind Pap test specimens were adequate, only in 57% was the EC/TZ component reported to be present, compared to 90% of the traditional Pap test specimens.

Features of Menstruation and Menstruation Management in Individuals with Rett Syndrome

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To describe features of menstruation, menstrual-related symptoms, and menstrual management in females with Rett syndrome (RTT) to help develop a clinical approach to these parameters in RTT.

DESIGN

Retrospective cross-sectional chart review and prospective survey.

SETTING

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Rett Syndrome and Related Spectrum Disorders Clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Females with RTT (12-55 years of age) and their caregivers.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Descriptive data on features of menstruation and menstrual-related symptoms in individuals with Rett syndrome; prevalence, types, reason for use/discontinuation, and efficacy of hormonal treatment in females with RTT.

RESULTS

Age at menarche, menstrual cycle length, and menstrual period length in females with RTT are comparable to those in typically developing females and females with other neurodevelopmental disabilities. Dysmenorrhea and emotional lability are common menstrual cycle-related changes among females with RTT; 22.1% of participants also reported catamenial seizures. Oral progestin, combined oral contraceptive pill, and depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) were effectively used to suppress or regulate menstruation and to manage menstrual-related symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Characteristics of menstruation in females with RTT are comparable to those of typically developing females, with the exception of increase in catamenial seizure activity. Hormonal treatments are used for management of menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and seizures. Choice of hormonal treatment is influenced by bone health and immobility in females with RTT.

Maternal health challenges experienced by adolescents; could community score cards address them? A case study of Kibuku District- Uganda

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 34.8% of the Ugandan population is adolescents. The national teenage pregnancy rate is 25% and in Kibuku district, 17.6% of adolescents aged 12-19 years have begun child bearing. Adolescents mothers are vulnerable to many maternal health challenges including; stigma, unfriendly services and early marriages. The community score card (CSC) is a social accountability tool that can be used to point out challenges faced by the community in service delivery and utilization and ultimately address them. In this paper we aimed to document the challenges faced by adolescents during pregnancy, delivery and postnatal period and the extent to which the community score card could address these challenges.

METHODS

This qualitative study utilized in-depth interviews conducted in August 2018 among 15 purposively selected adolescent women who had given birth 2 years prior to the study and had attended CSC meetings. The study was conducted in six sub counties of Kibuku district where the CSC intervention was implemented. Research assistants transcribed the audio-recorded interviews verbatim, and data was analyzed manually using the framework analysis approach.

FINDINGS

This study found five major maternal health challenges faced by adolescents during pregnancy namely; psychosocial challenges, physical abuse, denial of basic human rights, unfriendly adolescent services, lack of legal and cultural protection, and lack of birth preparedness. The CSC addressed general maternal and new born health issues of the community as a whole rather than specific adolescent health related maternal health challenges.

CONCLUSION

The maternal health challenges faced by adolescents in Kibuku have a cultural, legal, social and health service dimension. There is therefore need to look at a multi-faceted approach to holistically address them. CSCs that are targeted at the entire community are unlikely to address specific needs of vulnerable groups such as adolescents. To address the maternal health challenges of adolescents, there is need to have separate meetings with adolescents, targeted mobilization for adolescents to attend meetings and deliberate inclusion of their maternal health challenges into the CSC.

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.

Primary care provider adherence to reproductive healthcare guidelines in adolescents and young adults with disabilities: A retrospective matched cohort study1

PURPOSE

Assessing provider adherence to preventative sexual and reproductive healthcare guidelines in adolescents and young adults (AYA) patients with physical and intellectual disabilities (PWD).

METHODS

Records of PWD (N= 42) age 12-26 receiving health maintenance between 01/01/11-12/31/16 were reviewed for: (1) initiation and completion of human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination series, (2) initiation and completion of meningococcal vaccination, (3) screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and documentation of (4) sexual, (5) menstrual, and (6) pregnancy histories. Unaffected age and gender-matched patients provided comparison data (Comparison Cohort, CC).

RESULTS

The mean age of both groups was 17.3 years ± 3.8 and 40.5% were female. There was no significant difference between groups regarding the completion of HPV or meningococcal vaccine series. Among those 15+ years of age, 7.1% of PWD and 28.6% of CC were screened for HIV (p= 0.04). Sexual history was documented in 19.0% of PWD versus 73.8% of CC (p< 0.001). Among females, menstrual regularity was recorded in 11.8% of PWD versus 47.1% of CC (p= 0.02) and pregnancy history in 0.0% of PWD versus 29.4% of CC (p= 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to sexual health guidelines was suboptimal, and lower among PWD. Vaccination rates did not differ between the two groups.

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.