Considerations for contraception

All females, including those with developmental disability, have the right to make informed choices about which method of contraception they use.

The full range of contraceptive options is available to females with developmental disability; choice will be informed by the female’s:

• intellectual capacity (partner’s capability may be relevant)
• physical manipulative skills (partner’s capability may be relevant)
• social skills (eg negotiating the use of condoms)
• medical conditions or medications (eg antiepileptic drugs).

With patience, understanding and appropriate counselling, the female’s contraceptive needs can be assessed and she may be taught to use the chosen method. When selecting contraception options, consider also:

• the desire to reduce or avoid menses
• life stage
• preferred formulation (eg oral, injection)
• vulnerability to adverse effects (eg osteoporosis and its sequelae).

See Overview of factors affecting contraceptive choice and Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptives.

The rhythm method and barrier methods are rarely suitable for females with developmental disability. The cost and difficulty of using a vaginal contraceptive ring limits its role in females with developmental disability.

Strategies to facilitate medical procedures (eg injections, implant insertion) for people who find them difficult are discussed in Physical examination and investigations.