Contraceptive management for female adolescents with mental retardation and handicapping disabilities
Haefner, H.K.; Elkins, T.E.
Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology 3(6): 820-824
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 1040-872X PMID: 1840174 DOI: 10.1097/00001703-199112000-00013Document Number: 322404
Society has become more accepting of sexual relations by and among the mentally and physically disabled. Accordingly, these individuals are increasingly able to enjoy more normal and satisfying sexual experiences, and have grown to need counseling on sexual activity, sexual abuse, temporary contraception, and sterilization. Contraceptive selection varies with regard to the mental and physical capabilities of individual patients. While the literature has studied the applicability of barrier methods, IUDs, oral contraceptives, intramuscular medroxyprogesterone acetate, and sterilization as contraceptive methods, formal studies have yet to be conducted on the use of subdermal levonorgestrel implants in these individuals. This paper discusses reproductive health concerns, care facilities, and contraceptive management with regard to sex education and contraceptive selection.