Menstrual Care For Individuals With Disability: A Case Report
- Author:
NADIA AB
1
Author Information
1. inik Kesihatan Sibu Jaya, Lorong Sibu Jaya 12D, 96000 Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia.
- Collective Name:NADIA AB; LEELAVATHI M; NOOR AZIMAH M
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
disability;
intellectual;
menstruation
- From:Medicine and Health
2019;14(1):209-214
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Individuals with disabilities have different needs and concerns at different stages of
life. The arrival of puberty brings about new challenges especially for females with
issues related to menstrual care involving both the patient and their caregivers.
This case report is about a 13-year-old girl with Down syndrome who was cared
for by her widowed father since the age of six. She was suffering from severe
mental disability. Her father was concerned, because she was unable to maintain
personal hygiene during menses such as changing sanitary napkins and managing
stains, hence requested for menstrual manipulation. Options for menstrual
manipulation for individuals with disabilities include both medical and surgical
interventions. Hormonal therapy options include oral contraceptive pills, depoprovera, progestin implants and progesterone release intra-uterine contraceptive
devices. Surgical options such as hysterectomy or endometrial ablation may be
considered as a last resort as it is more invasive and irreversible, involving ethical
and legal implications. Selection of the suitable therapy involves shared decision
making between health care provider and caregiver taking into consideration the
patient’s best interest. This case report also highlights the role of family physicians
in managing and coordinating care on delicate issues related to menstrual care for
people with disabilities. This case report may serve as a guide to physicians and
families with special needs children, while approaching issues on menstrual care.
- Full text:12.2019my0122.pdf
