title: Practical approaches to supporting young women with intellectual disabilities and high support needs with their menstruation.
abstract: Menstrual myths may influence decisions about menstrual and fertility management for women with intellectual disabilities and high support needs. We identify six myths (related to menstruation, menstrual management, communication, sexual feelings, menstrual difficulties, and surgical elimination) and the evidence that dispels these myths. We provide reflexive questions for practitioners to help them critically reflect on their own approaches to menstrual management. We encourage those supporting women with disabilities to consider the reflective questions we have provided and to strive to support informed decision-making about menstruation and the related areas of fertility and sexual feelings.
authors: Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability, School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. m.taylor3@uq.edu.au
authors: Miriam Taylor
authors: MT
authors: Gomez
authors: Glenys M
authors: GM
authors: Carlson
authors: Kate
authors: K
authors: Van Dooren
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D052576:Menstrual Hygiene Products; D008598:Menstruation / Q000523:psychology*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support