Menstration
Menstration
(Long Case A-Z)
In context of disability > difficult topic
Thoughts from respected Paediatrician on forum
Many teenage patients with severe ID manage menstruation without any difficulty with appropriate support
Non-pharmacological
Pharmacological
(Long Case A-Z)
In context of disability > difficult topic
Thoughts from respected Paediatrician on forum
- menstruation is a normal part of life for any woman, with or without a disability.
- Increasingly medical intervention in menstruation is being seen as a form of "chemical restraint"
- We need to be very clear why we want to intervene
- is it the carers who are afraid of what will happen/dislike helping with periods?
- is the girl herself very distressed with her menstruation and not able to cope?
- does the girl have menorrhagia and is becoming anaemic?
- are the menstrual periods very difficult to manage due to behavioural/developmental challenges
- is there true precocious puberty which may need managing?
- are there fears of pregnancy
Many teenage patients with severe ID manage menstruation without any difficulty with appropriate support
Non-pharmacological
- Some local family planning clinics do disability education around menstruation and sexual health, which is NDIS funded.
- Modibodi period underwear completely eliminate the need for any pads/tampons and are NDIS funded. Just wear them and change 2-3 times a day, throw them in the washing machine.
- Many OT's can help with teaching menstrual management, and the special schools also do a great job.
- There are some good teaching aids such as the books Puberty and Special Girls and Special Girls Business.
Pharmacological
- OCP
- Mirena
- Depo
- Implanon