Sexual Health Issues in Women with Intellectual Disabilities Preliminary Analysis of the Problem

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Women with intellectual disability have a low level of competencies that would allow them to better manage their sexuality; consequently, they have a low level of control over their own health.
OBJECTIVES: The article describes the results of author’s own research into selected aspects of sexual health of women with intellectual disability (ID). The focus has been on issues such as menstruation, health and gynecological care, pharmacologization, contraception, STDs, and menopause.
METHODS: The research was conducted with 11 women using structured interviews.
RESULTS: Results suggest that these women have a low level of competencies to manage and control health problems in an optimal way. Their behavior is determined by people from their living environment to a large extent. Women with ID report various abnormalities in the course of developmental phenomena and in their own health, indicating potentially serious diseases and disorders.
CONCLUSION: Women with intellectual disability require lifelong support in meeting their health needs. Such support should be provided by institutions of care, health and social assistance.