Contraception in adolescents with intellectual disability

The aims of the study were to investigate the reasons for first gynaecological consultation in adolescents with intellectual disability (ID) and assess how contraception is prescribed with regard to the different contraceptive methods, their medical indications, adverse effects and compliance, in comparison with a group of adolescents without ID.

A retrospective case-control study was conducted among 200 adolescents with ID (group A) and a control group of 200 adolescents without ID (group B).

The main reasons for gynaecological consultation in group A were 'need for contraception' (46.5% in group A vs 32.0% in group B, p = .003) and abnormal uterine bleeding (42.0% in group A vs 27.0% in group B, p = .002). Contraception was prescribed in 80.0% of the adolescents in both groups. Combined oral contraception was prescribed in 83.1% in group A vs. 91.3% in group B (p = .03). The transdermal patch was more prevalent in group A (6.3% vs. 0.6% in group B, p = .006). Other contraceptive methods were similar between the two groups. In group B there were 5.0% unintended pregnancies vs no cases in group A (p = .001). Sexual abuse occurred similarly in both groups (2.5% in group A vs 2.0% in group B, p = not significant).

The need for contraception in adolescents with ID is a frequent reason for gynaecological consultation, despite their younger age and lower number who are sexually active. Combined oral contraception is the most prescribed method in adolescents with ID; however, the transdermal patch also plays an important role in this group.