Our expert answers 3 Questions
I am currently evaluating the needs and gaps in providing young women with spina bifida the sexual and reproductive health education and care they desire. Research has shown that only about 5% of young women with spina bifida have ever discussed this topic with a provider, despite nearly 50% being sexually active. The utilization of gynecologic services and contraception is low in young women with disabilities. Our recent study shows that over 25% of pregnancies among women with spina bifida occur by age 22, which may indicate they do not have access to contraception they may desire.
Women with any disability deserve the same access to reproductive health education and care as women without disabilities. By not offering this, we may be placing these women at increased risk of undiagnosed and untreated STDs, unintended pregnancy, and future unrecognized cervical cancer. I suspect that providers do not know how to talk to these women about this topic.
By equipping providers with the training and tools they need to provide sexual and reproductive health education and care to young women with spina bifida and other physical disabilities, these women can finally get the care they both need and desire.